i'm ben brown, live in downing street on another difficult day for the prime minister sue gray's inquiry into lockdown parties at downing street is believed to be complete, and could be released today. the government says they will act on the findings — but labour says they shouldn't hide behind the report. we need to look at the results and fix the issues there are. but that shouldn't diminish the fantastic work that has been done under this government and under this prime minister. the prime minister is taking the british people for fools if he thinks that they can't see exactly what has gone on and that they themselves haven't already reached a conclusion as to the fact that he is completely unfit and has demonstrated himself to be completely unfit

to be prime minister. borisjohnson is due to face mps in the commons this lunchtime, as backbenchers wait to decide whether to submit votes of no confidence in the prime minister's leadership. and i'm annita mcveigh with the rest of the day's stories — advisors from russia, ukraine, germany and france are meeting in paris this morning, as tensions continue to rise over fears of a russian invasion of ukraine... meanwhile, russia has reacted angrily to warnings of personal sanctions against mr putin — saying the us and nato has flooded ukraine with weapons and western advisors. pcr tests of about 100,000 volunteers in the react study also showed that1 in 23 people had covid in the first three weeks of january. and in northern ireland, proof of covid—19 status to enter bars, restaurants and cinemas will be scrapped later today as restrictions begin to ease. and also coming

up this hour.... the siblings who have been separated while in the care system — calls for a new law to keep them together. i'm ben brown live in downing street. the official inquiry into gatherings at downing street and in whitehall during lockdown is believed to be complete — and could be submitted to number 10 within hours. it's understood the senior civil servant, sue gray, has evidence including photographs and whatsapp messages, and wants the report to be published in full. borisjohnson is due in the commons later for prime minister's questions and has also pledged to respond to the report in front of mps

once it is published. it comes after the metropolitan police has announced it is launching its own investigation. the latest from newsnight, the editor has tweeted to say that he has been told by whitehall sources that the sue gray report will 100% handed over to number ten today. also said that sue gray has already briefed number ten on the contents of her report and that it is, quote, note good news. that does not mean we will see it today but we have got to see what the prime minister will do with that so we do not know when we will get our eyes on the sue gray report. newsnight saying that 100% it is going to be handed over to

number ten and it is not good news. our first report today comes from our political correspondent, ione wells. can the prime minister bounce back from this? reporter: are you going to have to resign? - for many tory mps, their answer depends on what's in sue gray's reports into parties that took place behind these doors, and across whitehall, during coronavirus restrictions. yesterday, confirmation some evidence she has found was enough to warrant a police investigation. i can confirm that the met is now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and whitehall in the last two years. previously, the police had said they don't tend to use resources to investigate retrospective breaches of covid rules. so why now? cressida dick said there were three key factors. evidence those involved knew, or ought to have known, what they were doing was an offence. not investigating would significantly undermine the legitimacy of the law.

and where there was little ambiguity around the absence of any reasonable defence. the prime minister welcomed the police investigation. i believe this will help to give the public the clarity it needs and help to draw a line under matters. but as a police investigation into government parties opens, the bbc understands the civil servant sue gray's is now complete. after it gets sent to number 10, opposition parties want it published in full. we already know that she's concluded that there's evidence of potential criminal offences. that's why she's passed it to the metropolitan police. so we know that much already. we already know the metropolitan police have decided that it's serious enough and flagrant enough for them to investigate. number 10 hadn't received the report last night, but the prime minister is due to give a statement in the house of commons after they do. with speculation mounting over timings of this, opposition parties raised concerns they would not get enough notice

to digest the report before he does. the government will behave entirely properly in terms of any statement, and the usual courtesies that are extended to the opposition. two weeks ago, you told us on newsnight that borisjohnson enjoyed the unanimous support of his cabinet. can you put your hand on your heart and say that's the case tonight? do you wish me to? yes. the backing of other tory mps, though, is still in question. while some spent yesterday trying to shore up support for the prime minister, others feel sue gray's report may give them the cover they need to call for him to go. ione wells, bbc news. earlier our chief political correspondent adam fleming talked us through the mechanics of when we might get the sue gray report and in what form. sue gray, it's her decision when she hands the report to number ten which has not happened yet, not last night and not this morning.

then the prime minister will have to do a few things. he will have to digest the report, work on a statement to give to parliament because he has committed to talk to mp5, he will make decisions about his own staff and whether they have to leave because they have broken the lockdown rules that requires their departure. then he will make a decision about how much or little of this report will be put in the public domain. that is quite a lot of processes that will take time which is why i think the chances of us getting anything before, during or after prime minister's questions at noon seems small. we are talking about the afternoon at the earliest before we hear from the prime minister and the decision to publish the report could happen earlier so we could be in a multistage process. there will be a lot of news. there was a bit of confusion because we were not sure whether with the

police investigation being launched whether we get the sue gray report or parts of it. there was a big back and forth yesterday between the police, the government and the media whether the new investigation would mean it could not publish the report at all or sections of the report or incidents. we now understand that sue gray, the author, wants it all to be out there and the prime minister will be under huge pressure to put it all out there. 0pposition parties and mps are looking at parliamentary procedure to see what techniques they could use to ensure they are not bounced into having to read the report and respond too quickly and what techniques they can use to get all the information in their hands because there is talk of whether there are parts which are redacted and names crossed out or annexes that no—one gets to see. we are in a bizarre situation where senior members of the cabinet like the

foreign secretary who are going on television and know no more than we do. there clearly needs to be a change in culture. the prime minister has said that mistakes were made, he has apologised for what has happened, we need to get the results of the report, we need to look at the results and fix the issues there are. but that shouldn't diminish the fantastic work that has been done under this government and under this prime minister. the foreign secretary personally very loyal to the prime minister and suggest other people will have to change as a result of this. lots of speculation about what is in the report including allegedly photos of the prime minister in close proximity to bottles of wine but we do not know about that. in terms of timing, you don't think we are going to get it necessarily before prime

minister's questions because that would be difficult for the prime minister and then there is the question of what tory backbenchers are going to do, how they will react and depending on the content of the report, sending letters to the 1922 committee and a vote of no confidence in the prime minister. why would the prime minister publish a report and then go into prime minister's questions where he could be pummelled about it but not have given his verdict or a version of the events. i imagine there will be a publication of the report will logically come after prime minister's questions but i am speculating. your point is key, so many mps have said to us, to you, privately, publicly, that they will make a judgment about the prime minister's leadership of the country and the party once they get the report. they will no longer have the excuse potentially in a few hours' time, although i suspect some

of them will say, actually, there is still a police investigation under way, will they be swayed by the arguments of the prime minister's allies means a change of prime minister means a general election and puts constituencies at risk, and fewer people will stick the knife in than expected. the key number is 5a. that is the number of letters that have to be received by the chair of the backbench1922 committee to trigger a vote of confidence. recent precedent suggests it could happen very quickly. it was the next day after the threshold was reached that theresa may won her a vote of confidence. that process could move very quickly if that process is one that starts. earlier i spoke to bridget phillipson, labour's shadow education secretary, she called on the prime minister to resign.

the government is completely. distracted from the cost of living i pressures that families are facing i from events elsewhere because they are just mired in scandal. the prime minister has lost all moral authority. - he has lied and lied and lied again. the british people know that. it's time he just did _ the decent thing and resigned. i think that decency and integrity in public life really matter. - i think they are values _ that the british people hold dear. and to have a prime minister who isjust completely- going against all of those traditions that we have . in our country does a serious damage and does serious damage _ to our standing internationally. but i also think that those senior conservative mps and cabinet. ministers who are wheeled out every day to defend the indefensible - with a growing litany of ridiculous excuses need to look themselvesj in the eye and consider— whether they are going to continue to have such little self—respect for themselves that they allow| the prime minister to continue, or will they finally bring -

the matter to a conclusion. you say he should resign, but surely we should wait to see what the sue gray report says about him and we may only have a few hours to wait for that. and then also the police investigation, now that the metropolitan police are investigating all these allegations and claims. of course we all want to see the report that sue gray- is undertaking, but the government shouldn't seek to hide _ behind that report. the british people can see for themselves exactly- what the prime minister has done. he has lied and lied and lied. i and at a point at which the british i people were doing all that was asked of them during that lockdown, - staying at home, our nhs workers in intensive care, school staff- trying to keep our children learning and doing all they could, i in downing street however, with the prime minister at the helm, they were organising parties, - wheeling in suitcases full of booze. the prime minister is taking the british people for foolsl if he thinks they can't see exactly what has gone on and that they l themselves haven't already reached a conclusion as to the fact -

he is completely unfit - and demonstrated himself to be completely unfit to be prime minister. | then we have got to this sorry- spectacle of the metropolitan police investigating events— in downing street and the actions of a prime minister. it is completely wrong and it calls our whole system - of politics into question, - which is why it really matters i that we start to restore that trust. and that the prime minister for once in his life does the decent thing and resigns. - jill rutter is a former civil servant, who's now a senior research fellow at �*uk in a changing europe', which carries out independent research on uk—eu relations. asa as a former civil servant, sue gray has become rather extraordinarily a household name and potentially has the fate of the prime minister in

her hands. it the fate of the prime minister in her hande— her hands. it is quite an uncomfortable - her hands. it is quite an uncomfortable position | her hands. it is quite an i uncomfortable position for her hands. it is quite an - uncomfortable position for a civil servant to be an. most of them take the xbox for no publicity when they join the civil service, perhaps going into politics, and this has always been one of the question marks whether it was appropriate for the prime minister to task the civil service with this investigation because ultimately it is really obvious given his assurance to the houseit obvious given his assurance to the house it would probably come back to a verdict on the prime minister and the civil service don't want to be in that position. we the civil service don't want to be in that position.— the civil service don't want to be in that position. we do not know when we are _ in that position. we do not know when we are going _ in that position. we do not know when we are going to _ in that position. we do not know when we are going to get - in that position. we do not know when we are going to get the - in that position. we do not know - when we are going to get the report, when we are going to get the report, when the prime minister is going to get the report, although newsnight are saying they are 100% sure it will be handed over to downing street today. the other thing we do not know is whether we are going to see the report when it comes out in full. that is important, isn't it? do you think we will see the whole report? i

do you think we will see the whole re ort? ., �* ~ ., do you think we will see the whole re oft? ., �* 4' ., , report? i don't know. it is ultimately _ report? i don't know. it is ultimately the _ report? i don't know. it is ultimately the prime - report? i don't know. it is- ultimately the prime minister's decision. ministers have placed so much weight on the sue gray report, they have been using her as a human shield for the past few weeks, if she thinks it should be published in full and there is any sense that she is not satisfied with how her report is not satisfied with how her report is being handled, that will be very difficult for the government and as we heard, we heard from adam fleming, ministers, opposition are also looking at the potential for using some of those techniques that they use during the brexit debate to get information that the government is reluctant to disclose. those humble addresses that they used to get some of the attorney general advice over brexit into the public domain. even if we do not get the full thing, it might have to out in due course, frankly, better to get it all out there straightaway.-

to get it all out there straightaway. one of the difficulties _ straightaway. one of the difficulties for _ straightaway. one of the difficulties for the - straightaway. one of the difficulties for the prime | straightaway. one of the - difficulties for the prime minister is not only what it says about parties and gatherings, but what it says about statements he made in the house of commons when he basically said he had been assured that all of the guidance was followed all of the time. if they report somehow contradicts that and makes it clear he misled the commons, that is a very difficult position. it is sliuhtl very difficult position. it is slightly outside _ very difficult position. it is slightly outside the - very difficult position. it 3 slightly outside the narrow terms of reference tojudge the statements the prime minister makes. the terms of reference are about whether the parties happened and how they stack up parties happened and how they stack up against the rules of guidance in place at the time. but it may become clear from the report that the prime minister either dead or did not know about those parties and that may give people calls to judge that he knowingly misled the house or

ministerial code whether that happened or not. i am not sure sue gray, we have to wait and see, sue gray, we have to wait and see, sue gray will passjudgment gray, we have to wait and see, sue gray will pass judgment on whether he misled the house, but people will interpret her report, given all of this, does it mean that basically he did that? mil this, does it mean that basically he did that? ~ ., ., , , ., did that? all along, ministers have been saying _ did that? all along, ministers have been saying we _ did that? all along, ministers have been saying we have _ did that? all along, ministers have been saying we have to _ did that? all along, ministers have been saying we have to wait - did that? all along, ministers have been saying we have to wait for. did that? all along, ministers have| been saying we have to wait for the sue gray report, but we also have to wait for the police investigation because yesterday the metropolitan police said they are investigating. another potential issue, theoretically the prime minister could be interviewed by police and detectives under caution. he may be a witness but he could be interviewed under caution. that is very uncomfortable for any prime minister. , ., ., , minister. yes, one of the things about this _ minister. yes, one of the things about this as _ minister. yes, one of the things about this as these _ minister. yes, one of the things about this as these are - minister. yes, one of the things about this as these are major i about this as these are major criminal charges that you get, if you did breach the covid—19 regulations, a fixed penalty notice

and a £100 fine, it is not the most previous offence ever. i'm not sure most people, that would make a huge difference over the judgment that seems to be, the politicaljudgment that number ten rules and guidance are put out there and then regarded themselves as exempt from that. and possibly look on the rest of the country as mugs for following those rules. ministers were always sceptical about whether the public would follow the rules, the early discussions about behavioural fatigue and with the public complied, maybe the ministers had low expectations of themselves but also of the public.— also of the public. thank you very much. also of the public. thank you very much- very _ also of the public. thank you very much- very good _ also of the public. thank you very much. very good to _ also of the public. thank you very much. very good to talk- also of the public. thank you very much. very good to talk to - also of the public. thank you very much. very good to talk to you. | also of the public. thank you very l much. very good to talk to you. to bring you up—to—date with what is the latest on twitter about all of this. newsnight are saying that they

are 100%, told by whitehall sources, the sue gray report will be handed to number ten today. whether that means it will be released today, we are not sure, clearly, the prime minister has to digestive and they have to decide whether all of the report or which parts of it will be made public. 0ur political editor has said that if it is not published in full, and sue gray has said she wants it to be published in full, we should expect a full political onslaught from the opposition to force out the whole of the sue gray report in its entirety. we are waiting to see when and how it is going to be published. 0liver dowden walking into number ten. no comments from him on the sue gray report. we will hear more about it at prime minister's questions at midday. i

will hunt you back to the studio. advisors from russia, ukraine, germany and france are meeting in paris this morning, as tensions continue to rise over fears of a russian invasion of ukraine. president macron is preparing to speak to president putin on friday to talk about a way to de—escalate the crisis. russia has reacted angrily to warnings from washington of personal sanctions on mr putin — saying the us and nato had flooded ukraine with weapons and western advisors. the uk's foreign secretary liz truss has been speaking this morning about some of the sanctions that russia could face we are looking at very tough economic sanctions. we are working with our allies and partners including europe and the united states. so what might they be? we are about to legislate to be able to introduce even tougher sanctions on russia should they stage and incursion. what might they be? the type of sanctions we are talking about,

they target individuals within the elite, they target financial institutions and they target important companies. in the last half hour the russian foreign minister sergei lavrov has been addressing russian mps about the crisis. translation: washington and its allies continuously impose their own vision on international order saying it is to establish peace based on rules. with this idea that they claim the right to establish their rules in all sorts of different areas ignoring un principles. they disrupt the international law at the un centric architecture of international relations, countries with international foreign policy like russia or china are being punished with thanks sanctions and demonisation in the media and provocations by intelligence services. the us and its allies have

abandoned diplomatic rules and had been seeking to undermine our country with unilateral sanctions as well as military pressure on russia with mean rivers along the russian borders. they are trying to draw kyiv into provocation. joining me now is james nixey who is the director of russia & eurasia programme at chatham house. we have the rhetoric, we have the diplomacy, we had the military build—up. looking at the latter specifically, how do military analysts think this situation is going to evolve?— analysts think this situation is going to evolve? they tend to be slit, going to evolve? they tend to be split. 100.000 — going to evolve? they tend to be split, 100,000 troops _ going to evolve? they tend to be split, 100,000 troops around - going to evolve? they tend to be - split, 100,000 troops around ukraine west and north borders, with a far greater degree of partners that we saw last april when they did the same thing but without medical supplies or even food. we could see it was not serious. they were not

going to act. the fact that they have made it look better this time leeds analyst to believe that we are headed for invasion slash incursion to some degree. at the same time, there is a convincing argument, the troops are already doing theirjob. they are forcing the americans in particular to the negotiating table and the russians are looking to see what they can squeeze out of them. that would not have happened had it not been for the 100,000 troops around ukraine. the not been for the 100,000 troops around ukraine.— not been for the 100,000 troops around ukraine. the us are saying there is no — around ukraine. the us are saying there is no trade _ around ukraine. the us are saying there is no trade space _ around ukraine. the us are saying there is no trade space on - around ukraine. the us are saying there is no trade space on the - around ukraine. the us are saying| there is no trade space on the idea of the ukraine has the right to determine its own future. bearing in mind they are saying that, how can both sides in this situation, if it is going to be de—escalated, how can they claim a victory or satisfaction at the same time allowing ukraine the right to determine what happens to it. ”~ ~ :: i: i: the right to determine what happens to it, "~ ~ :: i: i: , ., to it. the $64,000 question, the short answer _ to it. the $64,000 question, the short answer is _ to it. the $64,000 question, the short answer is they _

to it. the $64,000 question, the short answer is they cannot, - to it. the $64,000 question, the short answer is they cannot, if. to it. the $64,000 question, the | short answer is they cannot, if they disagree fundamentally, and we have not got to grips with the issue of russia post—imperial, ambitions, whereby it demands rights of countries well beyond its internationally recognised borders. then we never really will get anywhere because that is not to give away. on the other hand, you asked about vladimir putin, what could he do? there are possibilities, he could shift his troops to belarus where the president is more accommodating and he could claim victory and claim an achievement which is possibly not there. all sites will do this, but you are right, vladimir putin, ora combination of popular support and his own stability within his own elites, will need to claim a victory and that is why there is the danger of all—out warfare and an invasion

which if he feels that's the way to go to show off his own popular support. he go to show off his own popular su ort. ., , , go to show off his own popular su ort, .,, , ., ~' go to show off his own popular suuort. , . ~ . support. he has been talking about the build-op _ support. he has been talking about the build-op of— support. he has been talking about the build-up of western _ support. he has been talking about the build-up of western advisers, l the build—up of western advisers, equipment and so forth. the west has been talking about unprecedented sanctions on russia including on the president personally. our unprecedented section is the way to get russia to back off? ? we don't know because haven't tried it. we have not tried strong sanctions anyway, the sanctions based on the annexation of crimea and 2014, those were relatively light, and the russians had learnt to live with them. it russians had learnt to live with them. , ., ., ., them. if you were to go further, the issue is that — them. if you were to go further, the issue is that sanctions _ them. if you were to go further, the issue is that sanctions give - them. if you were to go further, the issue is that sanctions give and - issue is that sanctions give and receive, we are not willing to take the pain as much as russia is. russia has import substitution, they can go to china, and the waste is worried about the knock—on effects on its own economies so that is why

the arrest and to do sanctions until now. they have also been reticent that we are reluctant to take on the oligarchs, in the city of london, probably for fear of reciprocity and not knowing how the russians will react, you can see for example, with journalists or western companies operating in russia. fin journalists or western companies operating in russia.— operating in russia. on the diplomacy. _ operating in russia. on the diplomacy. is _ operating in russia. on the diplomacy, is there - operating in russia. on the diplomacy, is there a - operating in russia. on the diplomacy, is there a row l operating in russia. on the| diplomacy, is there a row to operating in russia. on the - diplomacy, is there a row to run style? diplomacy, is there a row to run s le? ., . , diplomacy, is there a row to run s le? ., ., , , ., style? for the waste, they are addicted to — style? for the waste, they are addicted to talking, _ style? for the waste, they are addicted to talking, joe, - style? for the waste, they are addicted to talking, joe, joe . style? for the waste, they are addicted to talking, joe, joe is better than war, war. it has not come to term, as a theatre of operations, it is not the wider problem. the wider problem is that russia wants to reorder european security and if you are doing that,

you are implying that russia still has rights versus on equals and that is not... that is going to be —— require a change of regime in russia and we are not saying that soon. thank you very much. rescue crews are searching the waters off florida's atlantic shore for 39 people reported missing in a suspecting human smuggling attempt. a survivor found clinging to a capsized boat raised the alarm, and told authorities the vessel had come from the bahamas. the us coast guard says no one was wearing a life jacket. there have been �*unprecedented' levels of covid in england this month, according to one of the country's largest infection studies. research from react suggests one in 23 people had the virus in the first three weeks of january. research from react suggests one in 23 people had the virus in the first three weeks of january. research from react suggests one in 23 people had the virus

the rapid emergence of the omicron variant at the end of last year saw coronavirus rocket. now scientists behind one of england's largest infection studies say the start of 2022 has seen unprecedented levels of covid. the react study collected more than 100,000 swabs from volunteers during the first couple of weeks in january. its findings suggest around one in 23 people in england would have tested positive for covid at that time — the highest rate ever recorded. researchers also found around two in three people, or 65%, who had recently been infected said they had already had coronavirus before. it seems certain groups may be more at risk of this happening, including key workers and those who live with children or in larger households. but more work is needed to understand how many of the cases in this study were true re—infections. we find in our data that people who self—report having previously had covid—19, or had the infection,

there is a high proportion of those who test positive in our study, which might reflect the fact that they are more likely to be the types of people who are meeting other people and who might get infected. coronavirus infections have slowed recently, but are still high, particularly amongst children and younger teenagers. as measures are gradually eased across the uk, health officials say vaccination remains the best form of protection. anna collinson, bbc news. the netherlands has relaxed measures designed to curb the spread of covid 19. cafes, bars, museums, and theatres can open, but only to those who fulfil certain conditions. this despite the country recording high rates of infections in recent weeks, as gail maclellan reports. the soundtrack to what feels like a different time. it was just over a month ago that the netherlands

imposed some of the toughest coronavirus restrictions in europe. now, at least for the time being, concerts can go ahead, spectators can watch sports, hairdressers, bars and restaurants will once again open their doors. there are conditions to the freedom. it will only apply to those who have been vaccinated, had a negative test or recovered from covid—19. prime minister mark rutte recognises with infection rates still very high, they are taking a risk. translation: in principle, this package will be in place for six weeks, but we will assess the situation three weeks from now. again, we take a big step today and in three weeks' time, the number of infections will almost certainly be much higher. it is up to all of us to make sure that we will not have to hit the brakes again, but can keep looking ahead. infection rates are rising

in the country, with the peak of the omicron outbreak still thought to be days, or even weeks, away, and the netherlands lagged far behind the rest of europe in the roll—out of booster vaccinations. but so far, this wave has seen fewer hospital admissions and many welcome this lifting of restrictions, being aware that living with limits on daily lives inflicts its own damage. news coming in from austria, we are hearing austria's lockdown for people who are not fully vaccinated against coronavirus will end on monday because the pressure on hospitals has eased, the government said. we came to the conclusion, a code from the government, the lockdown for unvaccinated people in austria, is onlyjustifiable in the event of the threat of an imminent overburdening of intensive care capacity. that was the health minister speaking at a news conference. northern ireland will ease a number of its coronavirus restrictions later, meaning nightclubs will re—open and concerts will be allowed to take place.

proof of covid status will no longer be legally required in restaurants and bars, but the system will remain in place for nightclubs and certain indoor events. people are still being advised to work from home where possible. earlier, our ireland correspondent chris page gave this update. ministers in the devolved government here, the stormont executive, emphasising the good news, while also, political leaders and their scientific advisers stressing that the pandemic is not over and that people should still continue to exercise a degree of caution. so today, from noon, a few changes kick in, mainly affecting the hospitality industry, nightclubs will be able to reopen this evening for the first time since christmas. also, indoor standing events will be allowed again, so that mainly affects events

like concerts, if you want to go to a club or an invent indoors which involves standing, you will still have to provide proof of your covid—19 status, either proof of vaccination, proof that you have had covid—19 in the last 180 days, or proof of a negative lateral flow test result. that requirement to show your so—called covid—19 passport, well, that is being lifted for bars, restaurants and cinemas from today. so, again, the hospitality sector, particularly those businesses are saying this will hopefully enable them to operate more freely, more smoothly, and they very much welcome those changes. the welsh government is cutting the minimum self—isolation period from seven to five days, bringing wales into line with england and northern ireland. to end isolation, two negative tests will be required on days five and six. the change will take effect on friday. back to our top story now and, as we've been hearing, the official inquiry into gatherings at downing street and in whitehall during lockdown is now thought to be complete and could be submitted to number 10 in the coming hours.

yesterday, the metropolitan police said it was investigating whether coronavirus restrictions had been breached. here's ros atkin, with a look at the story so far. in december, borisjohnson addressed the first reports of a christmas party in number 10. all guidance was followed - completely during number 10. then, a week later, the prime minister said this. i have been repeatedly assured since these allegations - emerged that there was no party, and that... - and that no covid rules were broken. that same day, the metropolitan police put out a statement — it read... "based on the absence of evidence and in line with our policy not to investigate retrospective breaches of such regulations, the met will not commence an investigation at this time." that was then. this is now. i can confirm that the met is now investigating a number of events

that took place at downing street and whitehall in the last two years, in relation to potential breaches of covid—19 regulations. so, why the shift? here's the explanation. as a result, firstly, of the information provided by the cabinet office inquiry team and, secondly, my officers' own assessment... that's right — the police first decided not to investigate, but after receiving information from an investigation by the civil servant sue gray, the police now will investigate. and this is the prime minister's reaction. i welcome the met's decision i to conduct its own investigation because i believe this - will help to give the public the clarity it needs, - and help to draw a line under matters. also on tuesday, when mrjohnson's spokesperson was asked if he thinks he's broken the law, the reply was, "i think that's fair to say that he does not." it's also fair to say the opposition has already drawn some conclusions. potential criminality has been found in downing street.

what a truly damning reflection on our nation's very highest office! and while mrjohnson's under sustained political attack, his supporters have rallied round. the leadership of borisjohnson this country has had has been. so brilliant that he has got usi through this incredibly difficult period, and he's got- all the big decisions right. that opinion is hotly contested, but the police are not concerned with leadership — brilliant or otherwise. they're concerned with whether crimes occurred in number 10. and while we digested their intervention, the fallout continued from itv news' report on monday. paul brand reported there had been a birthday event for borisjohnson in number 10 during the first lockdown, telling us up to 30 staff celebrated in the cabinet room, where carriejohnson surprised him with a cake. we were also told there was a chorus of happy birthday, and that those assembled are understood to have eaten picnic food from m&s. this was at a time when most indoor gatherings involving more

than two people were banned. to which, number 10 says, "mrjohnson was there for less than ten minutes." and this is the transport secretary, grant shapps. this is in a workplace, with a bunch of people who are working together all of the time, who decide to give the prime minister a birthday cake on his birthday. itv news also quotes mr shapps saying, "a cake being introduced is wrong," all of which raises lots of questions, a number of which i'm not sure any of us ever expected to be asking. here's paul brand, who broke the story, tweeting, "does a cake make a party? does singing happy birthday qualify as a party?" in isolation, these questions seem absurd, but they're relevant because of the rules at the time. this man broke them, and was punished. all those that were there need to be named and shamed, as we were shamed — we were made to accept our responsibilities — and it's time to get this done once and for all. no more cover—ups. number 10 denies there's any cover—up. it denies rules were broken. and one conservative mp

has raised this concern. when europe stands on the brink of war and there is a cost—of—living crisis, can we please have a sense of proportion over the prime minister being given... ..being given a piece of cake in his own office by his own staff? that's a reference to the build—up of russian troops on ukraine's border, to which the prime minister turned earlier. we will not reopen that divide - by agreeing to overturn the european security order because russia has placed a gun to ukraine's head. . and so, while mrjohnson and other western leaders face down russia, the prime minister and his colleagues also face questions about what happened in number 10 — questions from the press, questions from sue gray, and now questions from the police. in recent weeks, we've heard her name a lot,

but who is the british senior civil servant sue gray? bbc northern ireland political correspondent gareth gordon has interviewed her in the past and has this profile of the woman who has been investigating downing street. they used to call sue gray the most powerful civil servant you've never heard of. not any more. and all i ask is that sue gray be allowed to complete her inquiry. the inquiry taking place by sue gray. well, sue gray... sue gray... sue gray, who people in northern ireland, many of them will know well. so, who is she and what makes her tick? well, for a start, she's the only whitehall civil servant who's ever run a pub in newry — though it's now a nursery — with her husband, country and western singer bill conlon. # it's a slow road that winds through the sweet wicklow pines # it makes me want to stop along the way...# he hated the pub and, actually, most of the customers didn't like him either because he was quite miserable in it. so, after six to eight weeks, it was making him a bit fed up,

so i sent him back to london and i carried on running the bar on my own. she returned to run the department of finance in belfast, but the job she really wanted was head of the northern ireland civil service. why didn't i get the job? i'm not sure i'll ever quite know, but i suspect, you know, i suspect people may have thought that i am perhaps too much of a challenger, or a disruptor. i am both. and perhaps i would bring about... you know, perhaps there was going to be too much change. and now, she has a much biggerjob, so how will she cope? we asked the man who knows her from his time as tony blair's official spokesman. i think she will find this very, very uncomfortable. she is not the sort of person who, as you know, enjoys being in the spotlight. but she will think it is her duty — and those are four very important letters for her, her duty — to do this honestly, to the best of her ability,

and to present the truth. but might she be limited in what she can do, given she's investigating her own boss? she is somebody who, as a civil servant, is about as close - to being independent i as it is possible to get. mainly because she's - at the end of her career now, so she's not worried about climbing the ladder any further, _ and also because she has so much experience, so much clout. - she has been at the heart of power ifor so long that she will be a veryl difficult and a very risky person for anyone to treat improperly. there was only one other question for sue gray, which could not be avoided. i've even had someone put it to me that you are a spy. i know you've had that put to you and, er, i think if i was a spy, i'd be a pretty poor spy if people are talking about me being a spy! i think people here have put a lot of trust in me and they've put a lot of faith in me and, er, you know, we have worked really well together, and i didn't think i'd be working

externally in the way i am. and had you got that big job as head of the civil service, would you ever consider leaving? no. but she did, and now the political world awaits what she'll do next. gareth gordon, bbc newsline. although the government in ukraine is downplaying the likelihood of a russian invasion, it has made preparations for the worst. the territorial defence forces was set up to train part—time reservists after russia seized and annexed crimea in 2014. but last year, exercises were opened to ordinary citizens, as part of the country's defence plan, in the event of a potential invasion. the bbc�*s myroslava petsa met one volunteer. it's a typical weekend for vasyl hryhoruk. he's training with a territorial defence battalion. translation: i train every saturday, almost every saturday, _ except for when i'm sick.

of course, it's been tough, but troops fight in any weather conditions. vasyl is 28, he is from kyiv, and works in logistics. he runs an immigration service, but has no plans to leave ukraine himself, even with the possibility of warjust round the corner. translation: have i ever thought that one day, - i may need to defend ukraine or my city? yes. i studied history pretty well. last year, ukraine changed the law to allow ordinary civilians to fight. vasyl signed up after reading about it on social media. translation: i've been looking for something i i could enlist in since 2014. as soon as i saw that post, i decided tojoin. if it was published two or five years ago, i would enlist right there.

at least six dozen men and women take part in routine exercises here, take part in weekly exercises here, in a forest near kyiv. translation: you're getting basic i infantry skills one can't really i develop in a shooting gallery orfrom an instructor, because you've got to practise it in a group, and we have motivated people here who are ready to help you. satellite imagery shows that russia has amassed around 100,000 troops along the border with ukraine. and although war is not inevitable, volunteers like vasyl are preparing to defend kyiv block by block, if they have to. translation: i am ready to fight back. i am confident the enemy will not reach kyiv. we ukrainians have always been good at self—organisation, and we'll be the first to support the ukrainian army. myroslava petsa, bbc news, kyiv.

a man has been cleared of the manslaughter of a suspected thief by a jury at bristol crown court. the man who died lost consciousness and never recovered after nathan smith knelt on his back for more than nine minutes while performing a citizen's arrest in november 2019. but after deliberations ofjust over four hours, a jury deliberations ofjust over four hours, ajury at deliberations ofjust over four hours, a jury at bristol crown court has cleared nathan smith of manslaughter, nathan smith had said during his trial that he had no intention to harm craig wiltshire and he said he had never had any training in how to restrain people. tropical storm ana has hit southern africa, killing at least 46 people in madagascar and mozambique. flash floods have destroyed hundreds of homes, schools and clinics. stephanie prentice reports. this is now home for these families in the madagascan capital. a crowded emergency accommodation site with no infrastructure,

no privacy, and few resources. translation: the reason we're staying here is because part of our house has collapsed. we asked for help. we can't live at home because it's flooded. if we leave here we've got nowhere to go and live. translation: we had to leave because all the mattresses are wet and our baby got sick. we didn't have a house and we had to come here. outside, the flooding has claimed thousands of homes, and rescue agencies are still working their way in boats through what was once farmland to evacuate those who are trapped. while some have lost everything they own in this storm, many others lost their lives, with authorities working on recovery as well as rescue, searching for bodies in the floodwaters. the cyclone which formed here then moved to mainland africa, knocking out power for tens of thousands in mozambique and malawi. suddenly, charcoal became like gold, as homes and businesses were plunged

into complete darkness overnight. translation: immediately, when the power went out, customers came to buy charcoal, regardless of the quality. usually, i make 3,000 kwachas per day, but yesterday alone, i made 10,000. officials in mozambique also reporting some people found dead, with official tolls still coming in and saying more than half a million people have been impacted by the floodwaters. but despite attempts to get things back to normal, weather experts are forecasting another 4—6 powerful cyclones between now and late march. stephanie prentice, bbc news. a couple of weeks ago, we told you about "fairy meadow" — a new bbc podcast investigating the disappearance of a young girl in australia. cheryl grimmer vanished from a beach near sydney more than 50 years ago, and she was never seen again.

the series is presented byjon kay, and in the latest episode, he's uncovered the story of another girl, kathy wrethman, which has a much happier ending. let's take a look. june 1968... and kathy wrethman was safe. the toddler had been missing for three days, but she was found — alone, in new south wales, almost 20 miles from home. hi,jon! now a grandma, this is the first time kathy's ever spoken publicly about what happened. the person that took me didn't hurt me. the only thing kathy could tell her parents was that there was a man, and the only clue — whoever took herfrom the family home cut her hair. nobody was ever charged. i can't remember a lot.

i can only remember a dog, and a room, being in a room. someone coming in, opening this door and saying, "go to sleep." i do remember that, and the dog under my bed. it was a big dog — i think it was an alsatian. what's it like for you now — even now — not really knowing where you were and who you were with during those few days? it's mind—boggling. i came across kathy's story while investigating the disappearance of another child in australia for the bbc podcast series fairy meadow. cheryl grimmer vanished from fairy meadow beach two years later. she has never been found. now, the cases of cheryl and kathy have never been officially linked — and maybe there is no connection — but the similarities are striking. police think both girls were abducted. they were both about the same age.

they'd both arrived in australia from the uk and were living in migrant hostels just an hour apart. of course, ifeel like the luckiest lady in the world. kathy was found wandering in a creek by some school boys who were skipping lessons. she's convinced they saved her life, but she's never seen them since. just to say thank you. i mean, thank you wouldn't be enough for saving your life because what i've got now is my family, and i wouldn't be sitting here if it wasn't for them. i want to introduce you to somebody. who? who's that? hello! i'm mark. hello! oh, my god. how are you? i'm good. long time, no see. this is mark. so, mark byrne was one of those three boys who found you.

we were wagging school, like, we weren't good boys at school, but...we had a good outcome that day! thank you so much| for wagging school! i can't believe it! this is a dream. i've just wanted to thank you and... oh, my god. i just... thank you's not enough. this is how kathy's parents thanked the boys at the time. here's the watch. still got my dad's watch. wow! still engraved! it still works. i love you, and you're... you're always going to be my hero. you're always going to be my hero! five decades on, at least one mystery has been solved. jon kay, bbc news.

what a story. brothers and sisters separated by the care system in the uk have told the bbc of the trauma of not seeing their siblings, in some cases, for years. figures obtained from uk local authorities through freedom of information requests have revealed that around half of sibling groups in care are currently split up. ashleyjohn—baptiste, who also grew up in care, has this report. how are you feeling about meeting your brothers? excited. yeah? yeah. for children growing up in care, their brothers and sisters can often be the only family left, but across the uk, thousands of them are currently split up. in fife, in scotland, someone trying to reunite them is veteran foster carer karen morrison. ourfamily are foster carers and it didn't take long for us to realise, you know, that these children are going into the care system and they're not

going to the same place together. in fact, they don't even know when they're going to see each other again. just imagine that trauma. it must be awful. siblings reunited is a charity providing a safe space for split—up groups in care to meet up every few months. how excited have you guys been to meet today? ten out of ten. ten out of ten? 9,000.| 9,000? for karen, it's not only about sibling relationships, but about creating better chances in life. we're not only making a difference now, but fast—forward to when they leave the care system, and imagine if they had each other. freedom of information requests sent to over 200 uk local authorities have revealed that more than 12,000 looked—after children are not living with at least one of their siblings. in manchester, 24—year—old saskia has recently become a social worker. in their adoptive home, saskia and her two brothers suffered physical abuse and neglect

for a decade. when they went back into council care, they were separated across different areas. i lost such a key part of myself, ithink, because it was, like, it's us three against the world, you know, it always has been. and so, being so far away from them, it's like, oh, i'm not as strong any more. sometimes, siblings is all you've got left, and if you take those away, you're taking the last thing away, like... the last bit of hope. yeah. yeah, yeah, the last bit of your identity. an independent review of the england care system is currently under way, with findings and recommendations expected to be published later this year. in scotland, new laws are giving siblings more control over their relationships. for these brothers, however, it's time to say bye for now. bye! ashleyjohn—baptiste, bbc news.

joanna will be here next four viewers in the uk. you're watching bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with matt taylor. hello. for some of you, it's been a particularly dull month so far, especially to the south and the west of the country, but there should be a few more cloud breaks today. england and wales especially, a few more glimpses of sunshine. and compared to the chill of recent days, a little bit milder. scotland and northern ireland, though, after the morning brightness, cloud, wind and rain is gathering. and it's this area behind me which is developing an area of low pressure pushing up towards iceland, but as that clears through, the winds will really strengthen tonight. in fact, the breeze picking up during the rest of this afternoon brings some rain, spreading into the northern western isles, eventually the highlands. away from that, most places will stay dry, and with those breaks in the cloud, a better chance of some sunshine. still quite a bit of cloud

for some of you, though, but it's that breeze that is helping to break up the cloud coming from the south—west. gales developing in the north and west of the country, which will strengthen further into tonight. with a breeze coming in from a south—west direction, temperatures higher than recent days — 8, 9 degrees across england and wales, 11 or 12 in scotland. but tonight, as the rain shifts its way southwards, winds strengthen. orkney and shetland could see winds gust 60, 70 mph. north of caithness, too. clearer spells and showers here but, further south, the cloud will be pushing, with some patchy rain and drizzle. some breaks in east anglia and the south—east, it will turn a touch chilly. maybe a little bit of frost. but by and large, too much breeze for a frosty tonight and still a bit of cloud. the worst of the cloud is associated with this weather front. this is bringing the change and sweeping away the bulk of the gloomy conditions we've seen of late. it will still be a bit grey tomorrow morning, though, across southern parts of england and wales. patchy rain or drizzle, particularly in the west. that becomes confined to the channel islands later into the afternoon. sunny spells, though, for most through thursday. a few wintry showers, especially on the hills in the north of scotland, as temperatures start to drop. but for most, a mild enough start. temperatures falling away later,

as the cooler air pushes in. and with the cooler air in place, a ridge of high pressure building in as we go into thursday night. friday morning will start frosty once again. lovely bright start for many but, quickly, the cloud will be pushing in across scotland and northern ireland. sunshine turning hazy here, turning greyer through the day. highlands and islands seeing outbreaks of rain and a strengthening wind. increasing cloud for england and wales, but most will once again stay dry. any chance of showers confined to the north and the west. a pretty mild day, and a very mild night to take us through friday night and into saturday. saturday, incredibly mild, with temperatures up to around 15, maybe 16 degrees in one or two spots. fresher by sunday. we just have to watch out for the potential for some strong winds in the north.

i'm ben brown, live in downing street on another difficult day for the prime minister. the cabinet office inquiry into lockdown parties at downing street could be published as early as this afternoon. the government says they will act on the findings, but it's important people don't allow the report to overshadow other achievements. we need to look at the results and fix the issues there are. but that shouldn't diminish the fantastic work that has been done under this government and under this prime minister. sue gray, who is leading the inquiry, is understood to have

evidence of the parties, including photographs and whatsapp messages. labour says it's obvious the prime minister has to step down. the prime minister is taking the british people for fools if he thinks that they can't see exactly what has gone on and that they themselves haven't already reached a conclusion as to the fact that he is completely unfit and has demonstrated himself to be completely unfit to be prime minister. and at midday — borisjohnson will face mps at prime minister questions — as backbenchers wait to decide whether to submit letters of no confidence in his leadership. and i'm joanna gosling with the rest of the day's stories — one of the uk's biggest covid studies reveals two—thirds of people recently infected with omicron say they have had the virus before.

good morning, we're live outside downing street. the highly—anticipated report into alleged lockdown—breaching parties in downing street and whitehall could be published as early as this afternoon with borisjohnson's future hanging in the balance. the prime minister has pledged to make a statement in the commons after findings by the senior civil servant, sue gray, are released. downing street says the prime minister he does not believe he has broken the law. it's understood sue gray has evidence including photographs and whatsapp messages, and wants the report to be published in full. borisjohnson is due in the commons

for prime minister's questions in about an hour's time. it comes after the metropolitan police has announced it is launching its own investigation. our first report today comes from our political correspondent, ione wells. can the prime minister bounce back from this? reporter: are you going to have to resign? - for many tory mps, their answer depends on what's in sue gray's reports into parties that took place behind these doors, and across whitehall, during coronavirus restrictions. yesterday, confirmation some evidence she has found was enough to warrant a police investigation. i can confirm that the met is now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and whitehall in the last two years. previously, the police had said they don't tend to use resources to investigate retrospective breaches of covid rules. so why now? cressida dick said there were three key factors. evidence those involved knew,

or ought to have known, what they were doing was an offence. not investigating would significantly undermine the legitimacy of the law. and where there was little ambiguity around the absence of any reasonable defence. the prime minister welcomed the police investigation. i believe this will help to give the public the clarity it needs and help to draw a line under matters. but as a police investigation into government parties opens, the bbc understands the civil servant sue gray's is now complete. after it gets sent to number 10, opposition parties want it published in full. we already know that she's concluded that there's evidence of potential criminal offences. that's why she's passed it to the metropolitan police. so we know that much already. we already know the metropolitan police have decided that it's serious enough and flagrant enough for them to investigate. number 10 hadn't received the report last night,

but the prime minister is due to give a statement in the house of commons after they do. with speculation mounting over timings of this, opposition parties raised concerns they would not get enough notice to digest the report before he does. the government will behave entirely properly in terms of any statement, and the usual courtesies that are extended to the opposition. two weeks ago, you told us on newsnight that borisjohnson enjoyed the unanimous support of his cabinet. can you put your hand on your heart and say that's the case tonight? do you wish me to? yes. the backing of other tory mps, though, is still in question. while some spent yesterday trying to shore up support for the prime minister, others feel sue gray's report may give them the cover they need to call for him to go. ione wells, bbc news. the foreign secretary liz truss said she doesn't know when the report will be published. there clearly needs to be a change in culture. the prime minister has said that mistakes were made,

he has apologised for what has happened, we need to get the results of the report, we need to look at the results and fix the issues there are. but that shouldn't diminish the fantastic work that has been done under this government and under this prime minister. liz truss. and the shadow education secretary bridget phillipson has called on the prime minister to resign. the government is completely. distracted from the cost of living i pressures that families are facing i from events elsewhere because they are just mired in scandal. the prime minister has lost all moral authority. - he has lied and lied and lied again. the british people know that. - it's time he just did _ the decent thing and resigned. i think that decency and integrity in public life really matter. - i think they are values _ that the british people hold dear. and to have a prime minister who isjust completely- going against all of those traditions that we have i in our country does a serious damage

and does serious damage _ to our standing internationally. let's speak to our political correspondent nick eardley in central lobby in the houses of parliament. next, let's just talk, next, let'sjust talk, we know it next, let's just talk, we know it is a potentially politically explosive report by the civil servant sue gray. but let's talk about the mechanics of when we might see it and if we will see it at all. yes. and if we will see it at all. yes, we are stuck — and if we will see it at all. yes, we are stuck in _ and if we will see it at all. yes, we are stuck in the _ and if we will see it at all. yes, we are stuck in the process - and if we will see it at all. yes, | we are stuck in the process part and if we will see it at all. yes, i we are stuck in the process part at the moment. it doesn't seem like that report has been submitted to downing street. remember downing street will want to have a look over it before it is published. we expect that once it is published we will hear from the prime minister. that once it is published we will hearfrom the prime minister. in terms of the concrete timings of that, i'm afraid we just don't know at the moment. there was a lot of speculation yesterday that it could

be imminent. that speculation continues this morning. we think that sue gray has pretty much finished that report but if downing street doesn't have it they obviously can't publish it and i would expect a few hours between downing street getting it and the public will seeing it as well. there is also a bit of a row going on behind—the—scenes about what exactly will be published. some mps are a bit nervous that we might not see the full thing that sue gray has produced. downing street has said in the past it will be the full report thatis the past it will be the full report that is published. i expect there will be a lot of pressure on them to do that. some of that pressure might come up at prime minister's questions in the next hour or so. i have an mp with me now who can have a quick chat about this, alistair carmichael from the liberal democrats. alistair, help us with this, have you heard anything concrete about when we might see this report? i’m concrete about when we might see this report?— concrete about when we might see this report? i'm afraid i'm as much in the dark— this report? i'm afraid i'm as much in the dark as _ this report? i'm afraid i'm as much in the dark as everybody _ this report? i'm afraid i'm as much in the dark as everybody else. - this report? i'm afraid i'm as much in the dark as everybody else. it i

in the dark as everybody else. it does _ in the dark as everybody else. it does look— in the dark as everybody else. it does look very much from all the signals— does look very much from all the signals we — does look very much from all the signals we are receiving as if we are into — signals we are receiving as if we are into the endgame here. we are going to _ are into the endgame here. we are going to see the sue gray report sometime — going to see the sue gray report sometime in the course of today and then of— sometime in the course of today and then of course it will be up to us all to— then of course it will be up to us all to assess the contents of that and see — all to assess the contents of that and see what it means for the future of the _ and see what it means for the future of the prime — and see what it means for the future of the prime minister. can and see what it means for the future of the prime minister.— of the prime minister. can i ask specifically _ of the prime minister. can i ask specifically about _ of the prime minister. can i ask specifically about the _ of the prime minister. can i ask specifically about the content. i of the prime minister. can i ask- specifically about the content. what is it that your party wants to see? is it the full document? do you want to see the pieces of information that have been submitted to sue gray as well? the that have been submitted to sue gray as well? ., ., , as well? the government has said that they will _ as well? the government has said that they will publish _ as well? the government has said that they will publish the - as well? the government has said that they will publish the full - that they will publish the full document and i think anything other than that— document and i think anything other than that would be a betrayal, not 'ust than that would be a betrayal, not just for— than that would be a betrayal, not just for people like ourselves and the opposition but also for all those — the opposition but also for all those in — the opposition but also for all those in the conservative party who have said _ those in the conservative party who have said that they will only make their mind — have said that they will only make their mind up when they see the sue gray report — their mind up when they see the sue gray report. so if they are not to see the — gray report. so if they are not to see the sue _ gray report. so if they are not to see the sue gray report then how can they possibly be expected to reach a final conclusion? it has to be

though— final conclusion? it has to be though notjust a final conclusion? it has to be though not just a final report, final conclusion? it has to be though notjust a final report, it has to— though notjust a final report, it has to be — though notjust a final report, it has to be the background, the information that was given to sue gray stop— information that was given to sue gray stop she has to show her working — gray stop she has to show her working for the conclusion is that she has— working for the conclusion is that she has reached and we have to have confidence _ she has reached and we have to have confidence that she has reached the film confidence that she has reached the right conclusions. for that we have to see _ right conclusions. for that we have to see the — right conclusions. for that we have to see the material that she has been _ to see the material that she has been given. we heard stories about this in_ been given. we heard stories about this in recent weeks, about people in downing — this in recent weeks, about people in downing street being encouraged to remove _ in downing street being encouraged to remove and delete what might be seen as— to remove and delete what might be seen as difficult or embarrassing whatsapp messages or e—mails. in that context, knowing the information she has been given is more _ information she has been given is more important than ever. he talks about this being _ more important than ever. he talks about this being make _ more important than ever. he talks about this being make your- more important than ever. he talks about this being make your mind i more important than ever. he talks| about this being make your mind up time for a lot of conservative mps. time for a lot of conservative mp5. i think it's fair to say they'd your party made their mind up a long time ago. i do notjump the gun a bit? should we not wait till this afternoon or tomorrow, to see this report, to see what went on and see what the prime minister did and see if he did anything wrong? if you

seak to if he did anything wrong? if you speak to conservative - if he did anything wrong? if you speak to conservative mps - if he did anything wrong? if you speak to conservative mps and | if he did anything wrong? if you| speak to conservative mps and i if he did anything wrong? if you speak to conservative mps and i know that you _ speak to conservative mps and i know that you do. _ speak to conservative mps and i know that you do, they will tell you that to all— that you do, they will tell you that to all intents and purposes they really _ to all intents and purposes they really have made their minds up, but they are _ really have made their minds up, but they are waiting for sue gray not to make _ they are waiting for sue gray not to make their— they are waiting for sue gray not to make their mind up but to tell the world _ make their mind up but to tell the world what conclusion they have reached — world what conclusion they have reached. it is notjust about mps making — reached. it is notjust about mps making their mind up, i think if you are out— making their mind up, i think if you are out on— making their mind up, i think if you are out on the doorsteps, you go into your— are out on the doorsteps, you go into your weekly shop in the supermarket as an mp, it is pretty clear— supermarket as an mp, it is pretty clear that — supermarket as an mp, it is pretty clear that the general public have made _ clear that the general public have made their mind up and this is confirmed _ made their mind up and this is confirmed by the government's disastrous clash that the general public— disastrous clash that the general public now have the view that boris johnson _ public now have the view that boris johnson should leave the stage. you have been in — johnson should leave the stage. gm, have been in parliament for a while, you are a cabinet minister under the coalition and know what goes on in this place. do you think boris johnson will still be prime minister in a couple of weeks' time? that johnson will still be prime minister in a couple of weeks' time?- in a couple of weeks' time? at the

moment it — in a couple of weeks' time? at the moment it looks _ in a couple of weeks' time? at the moment it looks unlikely - in a couple of weeks' time? at the moment it looks unlikely but - in a couple of weeks' time? at the moment it looks unlikely but this. moment it looks unlikely but this has been — moment it looks unlikely but this has been quite a remarkable story where _ has been quite a remarkable story where his— has been quite a remarkable story where his fortunes have ebbed and flowed _ where his fortunes have ebbed and flowed as — where his fortunes have ebbed and flowed as the day goes by. who knows if hell— flowed as the day goes by. who knows if he'll still— flowed as the day goes by. who knows if he'll still be here in two weeks' time? _ if he'll still be here in two weeks' time? we — if he'll still be here in two weeks' time? we are yet to find out but it is pretty— time? we are yet to find out but it is pretty clear that he has lost the authority— is pretty clear that he has lost the authority that you need to be an effective — authority that you need to be an effective prime minister. whether it is today— effective prime minister. whether it is today or— effective prime minister. whether it is today or a weak's time or a month's— is today or a weak's time or a month's time or four months' time, there _ month's time or four months' time, there is— month's time or four months' time, there is an — month's time or four months' time, there is an inevitability about boris — there is an inevitability about borisjohnson's removal from government. most conservative mps also understand that and it is therefore in the national interest that he _ therefore in the national interest that he should remove himself more likely be _ that he should remove himself more likely be by his own mps from office — likely be by his own mps from office. we don't need sue gray to tell us— office. we don't need sue gray to tell us that. office. we don't need sue gray to tell us that-— tell us that. just finally and briefl if tell us that. just finally and briefly if you _ tell us that. just finally and briefly if you can, - tell us that. just finally and briefly if you can, we - tell us that. just finally and briefly if you can, we think| tell us that. just finally and i briefly if you can, we think the prime minister will give a statement to the commons after the report is published, that is something that his allies have committed to, how

long do you want to read that report between it being published in between it being published in between boris johnson between it being published in between borisjohnson standing on his feet here? it between boris johnson standing on his feet here?— his feet here? it depends how long the re ort his feet here? it depends how long the report is _ his feet here? it depends how long the report is but _ his feet here? it depends how long the report is but nobody _ his feet here? it depends how long the report is but nobody should - his feet here? it depends how long the report is but nobody should be | the report is but nobody should be expected _ the report is but nobody should be expected to stand up in the house of commons _ expected to stand up in the house of commons and question the prime minister— commons and question the prime minister without having had the opportunity to read it in full, to consider— opportunity to read it in full, to consider it— opportunity to read it in full, to consider it and draw political conclusions from it. that sort of gameptay. _ conclusions from it. that sort of gameplay, which we know the government are considering, might .et government are considering, might get them _ government are considering, might get them through one statement but this is— get them through one statement but this is a _ get them through one statement but this is a story that is not going to id this is a story that is not going to go away — this is a story that is not going to no awa . ., ~' this is a story that is not going to uoawa. ., ~ this is a story that is not going to uoawa. ., y . go away. thank you very much. if you hear anything — go away. thank you very much. if you hear anything concrete _ go away. thank you very much. if you hear anything concrete please - go away. thank you very much. if you hear anything concrete please come l hear anything concrete please come back and tell us. as alistair carmichael said there there is a bit of sense of who knows at the moment about what the next few hours and days will bring. it will be interesting to see what happens. it will indeed. we were hearing from the newsnight policy editor saying

that 100% vital sources have told him that the sue gray report will be handed over today. let's speak to giles kenningham — former head of press at number 10. how politically explosive do you think this gray report will be? we don't have the contents yet but we had the editor of newsnight saying that sources have told him it is not good news for the government. clearly it isn't because it has triggered a police investigation. sue gray is a fierce independent civil servant who does not pull her punches so i expect it will be pretty explosive. she is a civil

servant so she will be working within certain parameters so it may be what she doesn't say all the way she words things and people will be looking at some of the coded language in that. i think before when damian green had to resign, their work words like plausible and language like that came up which in the end did for him. we don't know what is in it but things are pointing towards it being problematic.— pointing towards it being roblematic. �* , ., ,, pointing towards it being roblematic. r ., ,, , problematic. aside from the sue gray re ort problematic. aside from the sue gray report which — problematic. aside from the sue gray report which is _ problematic. aside from the sue gray report which is what _ problematic. aside from the sue gray report which is what we _ problematic. aside from the sue gray report which is what we are _ problematic. aside from the sue gray report which is what we are focusing i report which is what we are focusing on very much today, we also have the small matter of an investigation by the metropolitan police which was announced yesterday. that could take weeks or even months. wejust don't know. but there you could have a very uncomfortable prospect for any prime minister of him being interviewed under caution by police or potentiallyjust interviewed under caution by police or potentially just as interviewed under caution by police or potentiallyjust as a witness. but he could be interviewed under caution. be very difficult for boris johnson. , ' . ~

johnson. very difficult. i think the last by minister— johnson. very difficult. i think the last by minister to _ johnson. very difficult. i think the last by minister to be _ johnson. very difficult. i think the last by minister to be interviewed| last by minister to be interviewed by police was tony blair who was interviewed as a witness. he said at the time it had he been under caution he would have felt the need to resign. a police investigation could go on for weeks and if it does go on for weeks it is a dark cloud hanging over the tory party. this police investigation, if i were the labour party, it is the perfect storm for them because it keeps the issue alive and keeps hanging on. watching labour call for boris johnson to resign, sometimes you think, "do not want him there?" because it is an issue hanging round his neck and it is a constant to voters. ., ., r' his neck and it is a constant to voters. . ., ,~' , ., his neck and it is a constant to voters. . ., ,~' i. i. his neck and it is a constant to voters. . ., ., ,, voters. can i ask you, you work in number ten. _ voters. can i ask you, you work in number ten, it _ voters. can i ask you, you work in number ten, it has _ voters. can i ask you, you work in number ten, it has been - voters. can i ask you, you work in number ten, it has been spoken l voters. can i ask you, you work in - number ten, it has been spoken about a lot that there was a party culture under borisjohnson, even a drinking culture. is it possible to have that kind of culture in a building like

downing street without the prime minister knowing about it? le. downing street without the prime minister knowing about it? um, it is hard to say- — minister knowing about it? um, it is hard to say- it _ minister knowing about it? um, it is hard to say. it is _ minister knowing about it? um, it is hard to say. it is a _ minister knowing about it? um, it is hard to say. it is a bit _ minister knowing about it? um, it is hard to say. it is a bit of _ minister knowing about it? um, it is hard to say. it is a bit of a rabbit - hard to say. it is a bit of a rabbit warren in there. you do see the prime minister walking around a lot. he is pretty visible within the building but having said that, he is out on the road a lot, he does go abroad. maybe it is possible. there is so the full picture. hopefully this will come out in the sue gray report. in will come out in the sue gray re ort. , ., ,, will come out in the sue gray reort. , ., ,, , ._ report. in terms of the sue gray re ort, report. in terms of the sue gray report. there — report. in terms of the sue gray report, there is _ report. in terms of the sue gray report, there is already - report. in terms of the sue gray report, there is already a - report. in terms of the sue gray| report, there is already a debate even before it is published about whether it is published in full, in other words, whether we the public get to see all of it. all the details, orwhethersome

get to see all of it. all the details, or whether some of it is redacted, certain extracts not published for whatever reason. the foreign secretary even said this morning there might be security issues meaning not all of it could be released to the public. that in itself could become a political issue. ., itself could become a political issue. . , , , ., issue. yeah. there is the issue that bits miaht issue. yeah. there is the issue that bits might have _ issue. yeah. there is the issue that bits might have to _ issue. yeah. there is the issue that bits might have to be _ issue. yeah. there is the issue that bits might have to be redacted - bits might have to be redacted because they might impact on the police investigation. the problem with the tory party presentation is that you are then left with the issues that there are more questions than answers. that seems to be an inevitability that will have to face now. it was being speculated yesterday that her report would wait until her report was published but that ship has officially sailed. very good to talk to you, giles

kenningham. i'm joined now by deputy political editor of the spectator, katy balls. we have prime minister's questions coming up pretty soon. at one point it sounded like we might have the report in time for promises questions which would have made for a very interesting session. but there will be very difficult this afternoon?— there will be very difficult this afternoon? , , , , afternoon? yes, they will be very difficult even _ afternoon? yes, they will be very difficult even without _ afternoon? yes, they will be very difficult even without that - afternoon? yes, they will be very difficult even without that report. but specific questions on keir starmer�*s questions about the police investigation, etc could be stonewalled completely. so we're still guessing as to where exactly it could be coming through. but of uuuessin it could be coming through. but of guessing about — it could be coming through. but of guessing about the _ it could be coming through. but of guessing about the timing - it could be coming through. but of guessing about the timing and - it could be coming through. but of guessing about the timing and lots of guessing about what is in it. what is your sense of how damaging this could be for the prime minister and for the government? i this could be for the prime minister and for the government?— and for the government? i think in terms of what _ and for the government? i think in terms of what we _ and for the government? i think in terms of what we know, _ and for the government? i think in terms of what we know, we - and for the government? i think in terms of what we know, we knowl and for the government? i think in i terms of what we know, we know this has the potential to be very

damaging because the reason the met police would be investigating a number of parties is the cabinet office handed over evidence which they believe they mean the threshold has now been met for a police investigation. then that self doesn't suggest the report will be very difficult. two weeks ago you had number ten sources briefing that there wouldn't be anything referred to the police from the report. i think you can take from that that things have gone downhill and gotten worse. ultimately the police investigation means this won't have a need to close even if the report isn't as bad for them because the storable run and run with a investigation under way. the government _ investigation under way. the government line _ investigation under way. the government line on all of this is that there are much bigger issues that there are much bigger issues that we should will be talking

about, a possible russian invasion of ukraine, the cost of living crisis, for example, but this story is running and running. can the prime minister survivor? lots of boris johnson's _ prime minister survivor? lots of boris johnson's supporters - prime minister survivor? lots of boris johnson's supporters say l prime minister survivor? lots of. boris johnson's supporters say that on the important stuff, the vaccine roll—out, delivering brexit, in terms of his supporters there saying he delivered on his thing so why would a row about parties potentially bring him down? but that said, the way downing street handled this, initially stonewalling, refusing to engage, has made it a more damaging story then it would potentially have been had there been more openness earlier on and that has had consequences. i do think it will come to whether we get a confidence vote. our 54 mps going to send letters triggering a no—confidence vote? one thing weighing on mps minds is this really the right time for a tory leadership contest? it raises serious issues but it comes down is a balancing

act, is life easier for the tory party without boris johnson and act, is life easier for the tory party without borisjohnson and how much of a liability today think he is? that comes down both of the report and also if he tries to bounce back. i don't think he is out of the woods. so bounce back. i don't think he is out of the woods-— of the woods. so do you think the tory backbench _ of the woods. so do you think the tory backbench mps _ of the woods. so do you think the tory backbench mps who - of the woods. so do you think the tory backbench mps who might i of the woods. so do you think the | tory backbench mps who might be thinking about trying to trigger a leadership contest by sending in those letters to the 1922 committee, they might possibly buy their time, do you think? l they might possibly buy their time, do you think?— do you think? i think it is one of those things _ do you think? i think it is one of those things where _ do you think? i think it is one of those things where we - do you think? i think it is one of those things where we are - do you think? i think it is one of. those things where we are hearing lots that it is really hard to projects, especially with the police investigation. lots of mps wanted to wait for a sue gray support. many of them had made their minds up already but some are now saying should they wait for the police investigation? therefore i think in terms of boris

johnson's long term future, i think theissueis johnson's long term future, i think the issue is even if he does avoid or survive a confidence vote, lots of mps want to look at changes in downing street and i think it has been really hard for him to turn things around and have local elections so it could be a crunch point this week it could be a crunch point this week it could be a crunch point in may but it will be very tricky for him.— point in may but it will be very tricky for him. katy balls, thank ou ve tricky for him. katy balls, thank you very much _ tricky for him. katy balls, thank you very much indeed. - tricky for him. katy balls, thank you very much indeed. we're i tricky for him. katy balls, thank. you very much indeed. we're just you very much indeed. we'rejust waiting for the prime minister to number ten to set off the short distance to the house of commons for prime minister's questions at midday. as we have been reflecting on it will be a challenging prime minister's questions for the prime minister's questions for the prime minister but we're still waiting for the sue gray report. we are told it could be the next few hours but will still have to wait and see stop that's it from me, back to the studio. thank you, ben, we will be back with you a bit later.

advisors from russia, ukraine, germany and france are meeting in paris this morning, as tensions continue to rise over fears of a russian invasion of ukraine. president macron is preparing to speak to president putin on friday to talk about a way to de—escalate the crisis. russia has reacted angrily to warnings from washington of personal sanctions on mr putin — saying the us and nato had flooded ukraine with weapons and western advisors. the foreign secretary liz truss has been speaking this morning about some of the sanctions that russia could face. we are looking at very tough economic sanctions. we are working with our allies and partners including europe and the united states. so what might they be? we are about to legislate to be able to introduce even tougher sanctions on russia should they stage and incursion. what might they be? the type of sanctions we are talking about, they target individuals within the elite, they target financial institutions and they target important companies. there have been 'unprecedented' levels of covid in england this month, according to one of the country's largest infection studies. research from react suggests one

in 23 people had the virus in the first three weeks of january. two thirds of them said they'd already had covid before. our health correspondent anna collinson reports. the rapid emergence of the omicron variant at the end of last year saw coronavirus rocket. now scientists behind one of england's largest infection studies say the start of 2022 has seen unprecedented levels of covid. the react study collected more than 100,000 swabs from volunteers during the first couple of weeks in january. its findings suggest around one in 23 people in england would have tested positive for covid at that time — the highest rate ever recorded. researchers also found around two in three people, or 65%, who had recently been infected said they had already had coronavirus before. it seems certain groups may be more at risk of this happening, including key workers and those

who live with children or in larger households. but more work is needed to understand how many of the cases in this study were true re—infections. we find in our data that people who self—report having previously had covid—19, or had the infection, there is a high proportion of those who test positive in our study, which might reflect the fact that they are more likely to be the types of people who are meeting other people and who might get infected. coronavirus infections have slowed recently, but are still high, particularly amongst children and younger teenagers. as measures are gradually eased across the uk, health officials say vaccination remains the best form of protection. anna collinson, bbc news. brothers and sisters separated by the care system in the uk have told the bbc of the trauma of not seeing their siblings, in some cases, for years. figures obtained from uk local authorities through freedom of information requests have

revealed that around half of sibling groups in care are currently split up. ashleyjohn—baptiste, who also grew up in care, has this report. how are you feeling about meeting your brothers? excited. yeah? yeah. for children growing up in care, their brothers and sisters can often be the only family left, but across the uk, thousands of them are currently split up. in fife, in scotland, someone trying to reunite them is veteran foster carer karen morrison. ourfamily are foster carers and it didn't take long for us to realise, you know, that these children are going into the care system and they're not going to the same place together. in fact, they don't even know when they're going to see each other again. just imagine that trauma. it must be awful. siblings reunited is a charity providing a safe space for split—up groups in care to meet up every few months. how excited have you guys

been to meet today? ten out of ten. ten out of ten? 9,000.| 9,000? for karen, it's not only about sibling relationships, but about creating better chances in life. we're not only making a difference now, but fast—forward to when they leave the care system, and imagine if they had each other. freedom of information requests sent to over 200 uk local authorities have revealed that more than 12,000 looked—after children are not living with at least one of their siblings. in manchester, 24—year—old saskia has recently become a social worker. in their adoptive home, saskia and her two brothers suffered physical abuse and neglect for a decade. when they went back into council care, they were separated across different areas. i lost such a key part of myself, ithink, because it was, like, it's us three against the world,

you know, it always has been. and so, being so far away from them, it's like, oh, i'm not as strong any more. sometimes, siblings is all you've got left, and if you take those away, you're taking the last thing away, like... the last bit of hope. yeah. yeah, yeah, the last bit of your identity. an independent review of the england care system is currently under way, with findings and recommendations expected to be published later this year. in scotland, new laws are giving siblings more control over their relationships. for these brothers, however, it's time to say bye for now. bye! ashleyjohn—baptiste, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with matt hello, with the breeze picking up today compared to the last few days,

there is a better chance of some sunshine here and there. we will see cloud in places and developing it thickens up in the north and in scotland, increasingly windy with some splashes of rain down towards loch lomond and closing in on northern ireland. many places will be dry and feeling a little bit milder as well. through this evening, strengthening winds, severe gales across orkney and shetland, it helps to push the cloud further south with some patchy rain and drizzle. before that arrival, still a chance of a bit of a chill across east anglia and the south—east. cloud coming in through thursday, going to the channel islands, some good long, sunny spells developing, a few showers in the north and west, wintry in the scottish hills, a modem of start but it will feel cooler later. —— a mild enough

start. hello this is bbc news, the headlines. another difficult day for the prime minister, as sue gray's inquiry into lockdown parties at downing street is believed to be complete, and could be released today. borisjohnson is due to face mps in the commons this lunchtime, as backbenchers wait to decide whether to submit votes of no confidence in the prime minister's leadership. the uk and us threaten

sanctions against russia, if president putin decides to invade ukraine. one of the uk's biggest covid studies reveals two—thirds of people recently infected with omicron say they have had the virus before, and that1 in 23 people had covid in the first three weeks of january. and in northern ireland, proof of covid—19 status to enter bars, restaurants and cinemas will be scrapped later today as restrictions begin to ease. let's go back to ben in downing street. hearing from political editor robert ginsberg sink so far the sue gray report has not yet been handed in. it is still expected today. when it

will be made publicly still do not know but let's take a look at the different allegations of parties in downing street and whitehall. the start of the pandemic. this is the downing street garden on the 15th may 2020 — where the prime minister and his staff were pictured with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard. when asked about it, borisjohnson said, "those people were at work talking about work". the rules in may 2020 told people to avoid in person meetings. five days later, martin

reynolds, the prime minister's principal private secretary, invited around 100 people to "socially distanced drinks" — telling people 'bring your own booze. the latest party relevation was injune 2020 — where staff in number ten gathered in the cabinet office for the prime minister's birthday — sang happy birthday and were served cake. fast forward to november 2020, sources have told the bbc that downing street staff members attended a gathering with carriejohnson in the flat where she and the prime minister live. a spokesman for mrsjohnson denies the party took place. at the time the rules did not allow for household mixing indoors, apart from support bubbles. on the 25th november, news of 'unplanned office drinks' at the treasury. and the daily mirror revealed a leaving do was held for no ten aide, cleo watson, on november the 27th. the pm reportedly made a speech. then we head into the festive period. on the 10th of december the department for education had an office gathering. then came a party for shaun bailey — the conservative candidate

for london mayor at the time. he's since resigned from chairing a london assembly committee. next — a quiz in downing street before christmas hosted by the prime minister. the following day, the department for transport held its christmas party. on the 17th — a leaving party at the cabinet office for the outgoing head of the civil service covid task force kate josephs. and — another party at in the office of the uk's top civil servant simon case. mr case had been due to report on claims covid rules were broken at these events, but had to step away when this party came to light last month. downing street originally denied a report by the daily mirror that a party took place on the 18th of december. however, a video obtained by itv news shows the prime minister's then—press secretary allegra stratton, joking about reports of an event, saying: "this fictional party was a business meeting and it was not socially distanced." she's since resigned.

and finally — the daily telegraph broke the news of two staff parties held in downing street the night before the duke of edinburgh's funeral — during which an adviser acted as dj and another was dispatched to the shops with a suitcase to stock up on wine. in recent weeks we've heard her name a lot — but who is the senior civil servant sue gray? bbc northern ireland political correspondent gareth gordon has interviewed her in the past and has this profile of the woman who has been investigating downing street. they used to call sue gray the most powerful civil servant you've never heard of. not any more. and all i ask is that sue gray be allowed to complete her inquiry. the inquiry taking place by sue gray. well, sue gray... sue gray... sue gray, who people in northern ireland,

many of them will know well. so, who is she and what makes her tick? well, for a start, she's the only whitehall civil servant who's ever run a pub in newry — though it's now a nursery — with her husband, country and western singer bill conlon. # it's a slow road that winds through the sweet wicklow pines # it makes me want to stop along the way~~# — he hated the pub and, actually, most of the customers didn't like him either because he was quite miserable in it. so, after six to eight weeks, it was making him a bit fed up, so i sent him back to london and i carried on running the bar on my own. she returned to run the department of finance in belfast, but the job she really wanted was head of the northern ireland civil service. why didn't i get the job? i'm not sure i'll ever quite know, but i suspect, you know, i suspect people may have thought that i am perhaps too much of a challenger, or a disruptor.

i am both. and perhaps i would bring about... you know, perhaps there was going to be too much change. and now, she has a much biggerjob, so how will she cope? we asked the man who knows her from his time as tony blair's official spokesman. i think she will find this very, very uncomfortable. she is not the sort of person who, as you know, enjoys being in the spotlight. but she will think it is her duty — and those are four very important letters for her, her duty — to do this honestly, to the best of her ability, and to present the truth. but might she be limited in what she can do, given she's investigating her own boss? she is somebody who, as a civil servant, is about as close - to being independent i as it is possible to get. mainly because she's - at the end of her career now, so she's not worried about climbing the ladder any further, _ and also because she has so much experience, so much clout. - she has been at the heart of power

ifor so long that she will be a veryl difficult and a very risky person for anyone to treat improperly. there was only one other question for sue gray, which could not be avoided. i've even had someone put it to me that you are a spy. i know you've had that put to you and, er, i think if i was a spy, i'd be a pretty poor spy if people are talking about me being a spy. i think people here have put a lot of trust in me and they've put a lot of faith in me and, er, you know, we have worked really well together, and i didn't think i'd be working externally in the way i am. and had you got that big job as head of the civil service, would you ever consider leaving? no. but she did, and now the political world awaits what she'll do next. gareth gordon, bbc newsline. a rare insight into sue gray. we are

in downing street, the prime minister will be leaving any second for prime minister is questions in the commons, appleby a difficult one again, not as difficult potentially as if the sue gray report had already been published which it has not been. roller is healing that it has not yet been delivered to number ten, when it is the prime minister has to pour over and ijest it and decide how much of it is going to be published. —— and digestive. sue gray is pushing for the folder pot to be made public but when the british public will set eyes on the details to be do not know. prime minister preparing to leave at

midday for pmqs when keir starmer will no doubt pressed him once again for parties and alleged gatherings he then downing street. let's speak to our political correspondent nick eardley in central lobby in the houses of parliament a lot of questions about process surrounding the sue gray report about not only when it will be delivered but released and how much will be released. absolutely, the expectation in government is still that the report will be delivered to downing street today, exactly when may govern whether we hear from the prime minister to drc yesterday on a foot ends up being tomorrow. he is going to pmqs eminently without knowing the exact contents because it is not in his entryjust yet, i

would expect him to face some pressure to guarantee the full document he has sent will be published, we know sue gray wants that to happen, it will be presented in a way that would allow the full thing to be put into the public domain without compromising any of the police investigation on privacy issues relating to certain staff members so expect the prime minister to get some pressure on that and the bigger question over the coming hours and days is what this means for borisjohnson's political future because of the report is critical and suggests the prime minister on his staff when breaking the rules that they set then the pressure from tory mps is going to increase potentially quite significantly, there are some who franklyjust waiting for the report before they call for the prime minister to go, when will they stick their heads up.

other mps are waiting to see the contents before deciding what they think about the political future of borisjohnson so it think about the political future of boris johnson so it feels think about the political future of borisjohnson so it feels the next few days and the most significant political pressure borisjohnson has been under as prime minister and it is not completely clear by the end of the week when we will be. that is just the sue gray report, there is also the small matter of the police investigation and aged yesterday. which throws another curveball into the process because some tory mps waiting for the sue gray report might say we are waiting to see what the police say unless the report in the police say unless the report in the next few hours as particularly bad for the prime minister. there is some pressure on tory mps to make their mind up now, there are some

had been chatting to over the last couple of days to say this process cannot go one for ever, we need to get to some sort of resolution on boris johnson's future ahead of the local elections in may, that said it does mean even have borisjohnson gets through the next few days it is not completely clear what will happen after the police investigation, that could be more pressure. we'rejust investigation, that could be more pressure. we're just seeing the minister leaving number ten, the usual questions being shouted out, as the party over, can you survive? borisjohnson did not reply but he is being driven off to pmqs, the short drive to the commons but he will face questions not from reporters but from keir starmer up the leader of the opposition and

other mps asking him lots of questions. matters at for now. prime minister's questions coming up — and with all the build up — let's join my colleaguejo coburn for politics live. we are 15 minutes away from pmqs. joining me in the studio... welcome. we will go to pmqs live as keir starmer poses questions to boris johnson, questions no doubt about the investigation and enquiry now complete by the senior civil servant sue gray, looking at all the parties, gatherings and events taking place in whitehall at number

ten and the bbc understands that report still has not been sent or given to the prime minister and number ten, given to the prime minister and numberten, once given to the prime minister and number ten, once that is handed over to expect it at some point today, the prime minister will have to digest that report and then prepare a statement. you can see boris johnson arriving at parliament for pmqs. he will then prepare a statement that he will give as promised to parliament, the labour party have insisted they have sight of the report so they have time to give a the sponsor because keir starmer will respond to the findings and then all eyes will be on the reaction of conservative mps, all of those two have sat in the studio saying they are awaiting for the outcome of the report, we know that

as an investigation by the metropolitan police now enter some of those events but they want to wait before they make up their minds about the prime minister and his role in terms of the events. we know already that seven or so letters have been handed in calling for a vote of no confidence and boris johnson's leadership at 54 are required for the contest to take place. how much damage has been done to the authority of the prime minister?— to the authority of the prime minister? ., , .., to the authority of the prime minister? ., , .. ., , minister? the only thing he can hope as --eole minister? the only thing he can hope as people end _ minister? the only thing he can hope as people end up _ minister? the only thing he can hope as people end up shedding _ minister? the only thing he can hope as people end up shedding the - minister? the only thing he can hope as people end up shedding the view. as people end up shedding the view that we have to move on from this to other issues and begin to forget about it. i think people do forget about it. i think people do forget about political issues, maybe in two years at a general election but will he ever regain the benefit of the doubt, the ability to be trusted by

people and have people forget that own experiences of loughton, i think thatis own experiences of loughton, i think that is a lot to ask and ethic it is unlikely to happen. that is just a political analysis, unlikely to happen. that is just a politicalanalysis, my unlikely to happen. that is just a political analysis, my personal point of view as you cannot have a prime minister who does not keep the rules you set themselves and does not tell the truth about that and thatis not tell the truth about that and that is not acceptable whatever party they come from. j that is not acceptable whatever party they come from.- that is not acceptable whatever party they come from. i think it is very possible _ party they come from. i think it is very possible that _ party they come from. i think it is very possible that after— party they come from. i think it is very possible that after the - party they come from. i think it is very possible that after the sue . very possible that after the sue gray _ very possible that after the sue gray report is published that 54 letters — gray report is published that 54 letters will go in, what i'm not sure _ letters will go in, what i'm not sure about _ letters will go in, what i'm not sure about is whether he would lose a vote _ sure about is whether he would lose a vote of— sure about is whether he would lose a vote of no — sure about is whether he would lose a vote of no confidence and i think we could _ a vote of no confidence and i think we could end up in the position where — we could end up in the position where he — we could end up in the position where he wins a vote and resets his government— where he wins a vote and resets his government and then continues to lead in _ government and then continues to lead in that direction. 30 government and then continues to lead in that direction.— lead in that direction. so you do see a way _ lead in that direction. so you do see a way back _ lead in that direction. so you do see a way back for _ lead in that direction. so you do see a way back for boris - lead in that direction. so you do. see a way back for boris johnson. lead in that direction. so you do i see a way back for boris johnson. i don't think you can ever count him out, _ don't think you can ever count him out, he _ don't think you can ever count him out, he has — don't think you can ever count him out, he has an unbelievable bounce back ability. in

out, he has an unbelievable bounce back ability-— back ability. in terms of damage to the -a back ability. in terms of damage to the party brand. — back ability. in terms of damage to the party brand, there _ back ability. in terms of damage to the party brand, there are - back ability. in terms of damage to | the party brand, there are warnings from cabinet ministers that those tory mps who would like a leadership contest should be careful what they wish for. is this the right time? t wish for. is this the right time? i think all the other things going on in the _ think all the other things going on in the world at a proper not the right— in the world at a proper not the right time — in the world at a proper not the right time but when ever as the right— right time but when ever as the right time?— right time but when ever as the right time? right time but when ever as the riaht time? , , ., ., ., right time? does it help to have a leadership contest _ right time? does it help to have a leadership contest now _ right time? does it help to have a leadership contest now in - right time? does it help to have a leadership contest now in terms | right time? does it help to have a| leadership contest now in terms of where keir starmer is setting? l where keir starmer is setting? i think right now happens is pretty good _ think right now happens is pretty good for— think right now happens is pretty good for labour, _ think right now happens is pretty good for labour, if _ think right now happens is pretty good for labour, if boris - think right now happens is pretty good for labour, if boris johnson does _ good for labour, if boris johnson does survive _ good for labour, if boris johnson does survive and _ good for labour, if boris johnson does survive and limp _ good for labour, if boris johnson does survive and limp on - good for labour, if boris johnson does survive and limp on that. good for labour, if boris johnson does survive and limp on that he| good for labour, if boris johnson l does survive and limp on that he is very much— does survive and limp on that he is very much wounded, _ does survive and limp on that he is very much wounded, he _ does survive and limp on that he is very much wounded, he is - does survive and limp on that he is very much wounded, he is a - does survive and limp on that he is| very much wounded, he is a proven liar, very much wounded, he is a proven liar. we _ very much wounded, he is a proven liar. we know— very much wounded, he is a proven liar. we know he _ very much wounded, he is a proven liar, we know he has _ very much wounded, he is a proven liar, we know he has broken - very much wounded, he is a proven liar, we know he has broken the . liar, we know he has broken the rules— liar, we know he has broken the rules he — liar, we know he has broken the rules he set— liar, we know he has broken the rules he set himself— liar, we know he has broken the rules he set himself and - liar, we know he has broken the rules he set himself and other. liar, we know he has broken the - rules he set himself and other meat people _ rules he set himself and other meat people made — rules he set himself and other meat

people made sacrifices— rules he set himself and other meat people made sacrifices so— rules he set himself and other meat people made sacrifices so it - rules he set himself and other meat people made sacrifices so it is - rules he set himself and other meat people made sacrifices so it is an. people made sacrifices so it is an interesting — people made sacrifices so it is an interesting position— people made sacrifices so it is an interesting position that - people made sacrifices so it is an interesting position that the - people made sacrifices so it is an. interesting position that the longer he stays— interesting position that the longer he stays he — interesting position that the longer he stays he damages— interesting position that the longer he stays he damages not— interesting position that the longer he stays he damages notjust - interesting position that the longer i he stays he damages notjust himself but the _ he stays he damages notjust himself but the party— he stays he damages notjust himself but the party brand _ he stays he damages notjust himself but the party brand and _ he stays he damages notjust himself but the party brand and if— he stays he damages notjust himself but the party brand and if he - he stays he damages notjust himself but the party brand and if he goes- but the party brand and if he goes then that — but the party brand and if he goes then that is — but the party brand and if he goes then that is good _ but the party brand and if he goes then that is good for— but the party brand and if he goes then that is good for the - but the party brand and if he goes then that is good for the labour. then that is good for the labour party. _ then that is good for the labour party. keir— then that is good for the labour party, keir starmer— then that is good for the labour party, keir starmer becomes i then that is good for the labourl party, keir starmer becomes the then that is good for the labour- party, keir starmer becomes the more established _ party, keir starmer becomes the more established candidate _ party, keir starmer becomes the more established candidate and _ party, keir starmer becomes the more established candidate and i— party, keir starmer becomes the more established candidate and i don't- established candidate and i don't think— established candidate and i don't think that — established candidate and i don't think that is _ established candidate and i don't think that is a — established candidate and i don't think that is a brilliant _ established candidate and i don't think that is a brilliant success i think that is a brilliant success is, i_ think that is a brilliant success is, isuspect— think that is a brilliant success is. i suspect it _ think that is a brilliant success is, i suspect it will— think that is a brilliant success is, i suspect it will be - think that is a brilliant success is, i suspect it will be rishi - think that is a brilliant success i is, i suspect it will be rishi sunak who would — is, i suspect it will be rishi sunak who would provide _ is, i suspect it will be rishi sunak who would provide definite - who would provide definite competition— who would provide definite competition to _ who would provide definite competition to labour- who would provide definite competition to labour butl who would provide definitej competition to labour but i who would provide definite - competition to labour but i think either— competition to labour but i think either way— competition to labour but i think either way it _ competition to labour but i think either way it is— competition to labour but i think either way it is good _ competition to labour but i think either way it is good for- competition to labour but i think either way it is good for labour, i competition to labour but i think. either way it is good for labour, it is probably— either way it is good for labour, it is probably better— either way it is good for labour, it is probably better boris _ either way it is good for labour, it is probably better boris johnson i is probably better boris johnson does _ is probably better boris johnson does limp — is probably better boris johnson does limp on _ is probably better boris johnson does limp on as— is probably better boris johnson does limp on as very _ is probably better boris johnson does limp on as very much - is probably better boris johnson - does limp on as very much damaged goods— does limp on as very much damaged goods for— does limp on as very much damaged goods for a — does limp on as very much damaged goods for a while. _ does limp on as very much damaged goods for a while. do _ does limp on as very much damaged goods for a while.— does limp on as very much damaged goods for a while. do you agree? you have made clear _ goods for a while. do you agree? you have made clear how— goods for a while. do you agree? you have made clear how you _ goods for a while. do you agree? you have made clear how you feel- goods for a while. do you agree? you have made clear how you feel about | have made clear how you feel about borisjohnson but in terms of the chancellor winning a leadership contest or the foreign secretary or jeremy hunt, we did not be better that borisjohnson stays? l

that boris johnson stays? i think that boris johnson stays? i think that is a political— that boris johnson stays? i think that is a political analysis, - that boris johnson stays? i think that is a political analysis, it - that boris johnson stays? i think that is a political analysis, it is l that is a political analysis, it is correct that it is favourable for the labour party for that he stays and goes but there is a decency think that i find appalling, as a great country that prides itself on being a force for good that our leader, the person you put on the international stage should be a liar, someone facing a police investigation for alleged criminality.— investigation for alleged criminali . t, , ., investigation for alleged criminali . ., , criminality. not the first to be questioned — criminality. not the first to be questioned by _ criminality. not the first to be questioned by the _ criminality. not the first to be questioned by the police. - criminality. not the first to be l questioned by the police. every criminality. not the first to be - questioned by the police. every time that example — questioned by the police. every time that example is _ questioned by the police. every time that example is usually _ questioned by the police. every time that example is usually to _ questioned by the police. every time that example is usually to clarify - that example is usually to clarify that example is usually to clarify that the dead nothing wrong and no charges were put, i don't believe that about the prime minister. itttte that about the prime minister. we don't know the police on vested boris _ don't know the police on vested borisjohnson but then don't know the police on vested boris johnson but then comes the question— boris johnson but then comes the question to put extended to behold him accountable and in my view the prime _ him accountable and in my view the prime minister employs these people

including _ prime minister employs these people including the civil servants but particularly special advisers and what _ particularly special advisers and what i _ particularly special advisers and what i will be looking for and the sue gray— what i will be looking for and the sue gray report is notjust what he specifically— sue gray report is notjust what he specifically did and whether the prime _ specifically did and whether the prime minister is found himself to have broken regulations which i expect— have broken regulations which i expect tory mps would take a different view, where i am more out of sync— different view, where i am more out of sync as _ different view, where i am more out of sync as they appear to think as lon- of sync as they appear to think as long as _ of sync as they appear to think as long as he — of sync as they appear to think as long as he didn't personally do it does _ long as he didn't personally do it does not — long as he didn't personally do it does not matter at the whole team he was running _ does not matter at the whole team he was running did it, despite the fact the team _ was running did it, despite the fact the team he has now he brought and because _ the team he has now he brought and because the last team was chaos and he is thinking of changing the chief of staff— he is thinking of changing the chief of staff he — he is thinking of changing the chief of staff he put in this one because the previous one is claiming he is a liar. the previous one is claiming he is a liar~ 0ur— the previous one is claiming he is a liar~ our pop— the previous one is claiming he is a liar. our pop point to do conservative mps seep i think we might— conservative mps seep i think we might hold him to account. effort is what unfolds _ might hold him to account. effort is what unfolds as _ might hold him to account. effort is what unfolds as a _ might hold him to account. effort is what unfolds as a credible? - might hold him to account. effort is what unfolds as a credible? if- might hold him to account. effort is what unfolds as a credible? if sue l what unfolds as a credible? if sue gray says boris johnson was unwittingly at some of these gatherings and actually an extension of work events and the people who

lose theirjobs are the chief of staff, the private secretary who seemingly wrote the e—mail inviting people to bring their own booze to a party, will that be enough estimate a top to bottom reform of the operation at number ten something myself and conservative commentators have been calling for since the owen paterson scandal because it is clear the prime minister has been getting bad advice but that was before christmas and i think my thoughts towards the end of last year was on the other side of christmas we started to need to see some changes and how number ten responded to events and i am not sure that has happened. l events and i am not sure that has happened-— happened. i think the time for reorganising _ happened. i think the time for reorganising number- happened. i think the time for reorganising number ten - happened. i think the time for reorganising number ten is i happened. i think the time for. reorganising number ten is either coming _ reorganising number ten is either coming to— reorganising number ten is either coming to its— reorganising number ten is either coming to its end _ reorganising number ten is either coming to its end orders - reorganising number ten is either coming to its end orders over- reorganising number ten is eitherj coming to its end orders over and reorganising number ten is either- coming to its end orders over and we need _ coming to its end orders over and we need to— coming to its end orders over and we need to start — coming to its end orders over and we need to start seeing _ coming to its end orders over and we need to start seeing some _ coming to its end orders over and we need to start seeing some of- coming to its end orders over and we need to start seeing some of those l need to start seeing some of those changes— need to start seeing some of those changes we — need to start seeing some of those changes we have _ need to start seeing some of those changes we have hoping _ need to start seeing some of those changes we have hoping for. - need to start seeing some of those changes we have hoping for. let’sl changes we have hoping for. let's aet changes we have hoping for. let's net the changes we have hoping for. let's get the latest _ changes we have hoping for. let's get the latest from _ changes we have hoping for. let's get the latest from laura, - changes we have hoping for. get the latest from laura, hasn't been any updates? no. as of ten

minutes ago sue gray had not yet place to send on her report which as we have been saying is understood to be pretty much complete, she has concluded herfindings but it be pretty much complete, she has concluded her findings but it has still not landed on the downing street inbox. it is still the expectation in whitehall that will happen today, i know it is also a rumpus in the house of commons about effort arrives in the next few hours how could a statement and debate be slotted in which would give mps time to have a proper look at the report in order to ask tough and searching questions rather than number ten bluster link through it and the prime minister cracking on with has version of events and mps still stuck at the bottom of page 24 and by that point he has finished. there's also tension between will

actually be published, we know sue gray is determined the report and its full state will be out there, there have been discussions this morning over whether not that will really be the case. there have been some claims the prime minister will be able to decide what is published, a bit of a snag for borisjohnson on that, he has said at the house of commons that a copy of the report will be placed in the library, has official spokesperson has said repeatedly at lobby briefings over many weeks that the report will be published in full. there is some tension going on behind—the—scenes of that this morning. what is critically important as the response from conservative mps, we have been discussing what has been done by a number of them already in terms of triggering a leadership contest but as we set yet, what do you think the balance of opinion is within the conservative party? you are tempting me to get out my crystal ball again,

let's remember why their views matter so much, esther is not because we are obsessed with tory mps, we obsess about all members of parliament but only last couple of months many tory mps have been openly discussing fso fiasco means it is time to move borisjohnson out of office, that has been on many minds and it is a subject notjust of gossip but serious conversation. there is a large group of them, the reasonable romp who felt it was important to wait and see what the findings of this report are before they actually make up their minds. on the outside edges you have people who already think he should go might use today as a trigger to say that publicly and a small number who have already said publicly they want him out and at the other end a relatively small number determined

he must stay at all costs. balance of opinion is really hard to see, but i don't think borisjohnson's team can rely on the payroll vote of government ministers, some have said they would not support and a vote confidence and remember the nature of this, any conservative leadership contest that got triggered by mps as by its very nature sick at so when you talk to mps and when they talk to each other they are sometimes disingenuous. —— by its very nature secret. this is genuinely a moment of perilfor boris secret. this is genuinely a moment of peril for borisjohnson and the findings of the report of a difficult for her man cast aspersions on what has manner of leadership and government that may push more tory mps over the edge. it is not easy for keir starmer because

we are this sense of limbo, what does he need to do and ask boris johnson today? the; does he need to do and ask boris johnson today?— does he need to do and ask boris johnson today? as the former senior rosecutor johnson today? as the former senior prosecutor he _ johnson today? as the former senior prosecutor he has _ johnson today? as the former senior prosecutor he has a _ johnson today? as the former senior prosecutor he has a good _ johnson today? as the former senior prosecutor he has a good legal - prosecutor he has a good legal style. especially when someone as expected of such serious offences but i think he will speak to the nation and reflecting the concerns people are saying why did this happen, how and ultimately has she lied to parliament and of so and i think he has as much people would see he has he should go. you don't know necessarily _ see he has he should go. you don't know necessarily to _ see he has he should go. you don't know necessarily to people - see he has he should go. you don't know necessarily to people talk - know necessarily to people talk about the nation, how do you see the mood? ., , ., mood? one of the things about keir starmer and — mood? one of the things about keir starmer and pmqs, _ mood? one of the things about keir starmer and pmqs, last _ mood? one of the things about keir starmer and pmqs, last week - mood? one of the things about keir starmer and pmqs, last week with l starmer and pmqs, last week with expected _ starmer and pmqs, last week with expected hammer to go quite hard on borisjohnson and i don't expected hammer to go quite hard on boris johnson and i don't think expected hammer to go quite hard on borisjohnson and i don't think he went— borisjohnson and i don't think he went as _ borisjohnson and i don't think he went as hard as he could have and i don't _ went as hard as he could have and i don't know— went as hard as he could have and i don't know he landed the jokes anyway— don't know he landed the jokes anyway he thought they wouldn't so i am not _ anyway he thought they wouldn't so i am not sure —

anyway he thought they wouldn't so i am not sure what direction he will take this — am not sure what direction he will take this week, i imagine the prime minister— take this week, i imagine the prime minister will steer him onto the important global issues and cost of living _ important global issues and cost of living crisis— important global issues and cost of living crisis more so than the report, — living crisis more so than the report, refer back to the fact it is yet to— report, refer back to the fact it is yet to be — report, refer back to the fact it is yet to be reported on.— report, refer back to the fact it is yet to be reported on. because the re ort is yet to be reported on. because the report is not _ yet to be reported on. because the report is not yet — yet to be reported on. because the report is not yet at _ yet to be reported on. because the report is not yet at downing - yet to be reported on. because the report is not yet at downing street| report is not yet at downing street sometime has been bought for boris johnson. b. sometime has been bought for boris johnson. �* ., ., , ., johnson. a limited amount but a huge new fiuht johnson. a limited amount but a huge new fight has — johnson. a limited amount but a huge new fight has emerged _ johnson. a limited amount but a huge new fight has emerged which - johnson. a limited amount but a huge new fight has emerged which is - new fight has emerged which is that borisjohnson — new fight has emerged which is that borisjohnson will— new fight has emerged which is that boris johnson will be _ new fight has emerged which is that boris johnson will be questioned - new fight has emerged which is that borisjohnson will be questioned byl borisjohnson will be questioned by the police, — borisjohnson will be questioned by the police, downing _ borisjohnson will be questioned by the police, downing street - borisjohnson will be questioned by the police, downing street will- the police, downing street will investigate. _ the police, downing street will investigate, be _ the police, downing street will investigate, be investigated i the police, downing street will investigate, be investigated so the police, downing street will. investigate, be investigated so i think— investigate, be investigated so i think keir— investigate, be investigated so i think keir starmer— investigate, be investigated so i think keir starmer should - investigate, be investigated so i think keir starmer should be - investigate, be investigated so i. think keir starmer should be very forensic. — think keir starmer should be very forensic. he — think keir starmer should be very forensic, he has _ think keir starmer should be very forensic, he has to _ think keir starmer should be very forensic, he has to make - think keir starmer should be very forensic, he has to make it- think keir starmer should be very forensic, he has to make it a - think keir starmer should be very forensic, he has to make it a bigi forensic, he has to make it a big argument — forensic, he has to make it a big argument and _ forensic, he has to make it a big argument and some _ forensic, he has to make it a big argument and some it _ forensic, he has to make it a big argument and some it up - forensic, he has to make it a big argument and some it up and i forensic, he has to make it a big. argument and some it up and one forensic, he has to make it a big - argument and some it up and one big phrase _ argument and some it up and one big phrase that— argument and some it up and one big phrase that does _ argument and some it up and one big phrase that does some _ argument and some it up and one big phrase that does some up _ argument and some it up and one big phrase that does some up the - argument and some it up and one big phrase that does some up the bigger| phrase that does some up the bigger politics which — phrase that does some up the bigger politics which as _ phrase that does some up the bigger politics which as we _ phrase that does some up the bigger politics which as we all _ phrase that does some up the bigger politics which as we all said - phrase that does some up the bigger politics which as we all said you - politics which as we all said you made _ politics which as we all said you made the — politics which as we all said you made the rules, _ politics which as we all said you made the rules, you _ politics which as we all said you made the rules, you broke - politics which as we all said you made the rules, you broke the| politics which as we all said you - made the rules, you broke the rules and you _ made the rules, you broke the rules and you have — made the rules, you broke the rules and you have lied. _ made the rules, you broke the rules and you have lied. that— made the rules, you broke the rules and you have lied. that is— made the rules, you broke the rules and you have lied. that is the - and you have lied. that is the central— and you have lied. that is the central and _ and you have lied. that is the central and now— and you have lied. that is the central and now the - and you have lied. that is the central and now the police . and you have lied. that is the| central and now the police are getting — central and now the police are getting involved, _ central and now the police are getting involved, that- central and now the police are getting involved, that is- central and now the police are getting involved, that is the i getting involved, that is the central— getting involved, that is the central argument _ getting involved, that is the central argument he - getting involved, that is the central argument he has - getting involved, that is the central argument he has to|

getting involved, that is the - central argument he has to keep prosecuting. _ central argument he has to keep prosecuting-— central argument he has to keep prosecuting. central argument he has to keep ”rosecutin. ., . ,. , ., prosecuting. have you any sense of what keir starmer _ prosecuting. have you any sense of what keir starmer will _ prosecuting. have you any sense of what keir starmer will try _ prosecuting. have you any sense of what keir starmer will try to - prosecuting. have you any sense of what keir starmer will try to do - what keir starmer will try to do today? i expect it will push for another firm today? i expect it will push for anotherfirm commitment today? i expect it will push for another firm commitment that they whole report will be published, not every gaudy bit of evidence on every photograph but the full report as delivered to downing street from sue gray whether or not that actually happens at the next few of those but i would imagine the labour leader want to get that the record today. i also think it is likely he may try to tie the importance of this report to tie the importance of this report to what is happening in the real world because whatever you think of borisjohnson world because whatever you think of boris johnson that world because whatever you think of borisjohnson that is important to the opposition to connect this to why it matters because whilst downing street focuses on the so much even when you talk to people and government not very much else is actually getting done, decisions about things that are pressing cannot be taken at the normal rate because people and downing street are worrying about their own survival. that is the fact of it and people and government would admit that privately and i would not be

surprised if keir starmer ties to tie this almost to whilst downing street focuses on other things, this is no possibility they could be focusing on other important matters of government in a way they normally would. borisjohnson yesterday of government in a way they normally would. boris johnson yesterday said i can guarantee the government is 100% focused on priorities, i am not sure at people and downing street would actually that out. they are jugghng would actually that out. they are juggling all of this. many of them are thinking about their own futures as well. we many of them are thinking about their own futures as well. we are expecting a pretty big clear out from number ten.— expecting a pretty big clear out from number ten. that is what i was auoin to from number ten. that is what i was going to ask. _ from number ten. that is what i was going to ask, excuse _ from number ten. that is what i was going to ask, excuse me _ from number ten. that is what i was going to ask, excuse me if - from number ten. that is what i was going to ask, excuse me if i - going to ask, excuse me if i interrupted because we are waiting for pmqs. but in the studio here with her that it might not be enough to do a major clear out at number ten and whitehill which is what the pro minister intends to do if the

report is not clear about cup ability at the very top. j report is not clear about cup ability at the very top. i think he doesnt ability at the very top. i think he doesn't tend _ ability at the very top. i think he doesn't tend to _ ability at the very top. i think he doesn't tend to do _ ability at the very top. i think he doesn't tend to do that. - ability at the very top. i think he doesn't tend to do that. i think. doesn't tend to do that. i think there is bad news in store for the chief whip in the next few days. people are not necessarily fans of borisjohnson people are not necessarily fans of boris johnson says people are not necessarily fans of borisjohnson says that people are not necessarily fans of boris johnson says that the people are not necessarily fans of borisjohnson says that the problem is that it is a first. even not long ago, a really staunch brexiteer, it said that it is not really that the leopard can't change its spots but the leopard can't be completely re—sprayed. for some conservatives see question in the next few days might be do you

fundamentally believe that boris johnson can be and wants to be a different kind of leader. on that, i have just seen the pro minister and kissed starmer walking in. just briefly, what is your view on that? i think you should broaden it out, and say if it wasn't personally made it shouldn't matter. he is responsible for a ten and that is theissue responsible for a ten and that is the issue he should hit on? except he has been _ the issue he should hit on? except he has been called _ the issue he should hit on? except he has been called the _ the issue he should hit on? except he has been called the houdini - the issue he should hit on? except he has been called the houdini ofl he has been called the houdini of british politics. ok. foreign minister's questions. this sunday marks a tragic day in our history. this was one of the darkest days of the troubles. that is the 50th anniversary of bloody sunday. i echo his call to learn from the past, to reconcile and build a shared, peaceful and prosperous future.

colleagues and others and in addition to my duties in this house, i shall have further such meetings later today. j i shall have further such meetings later today-— i shall have further such meetings latertoda . ., , ., , ., later today. i associate my remarks with the prime _ later today. i associate my remarks with the prime minister— later today. i associate my remarks with the prime minister on - later today. i associate my remarks with the prime minister on bloodyl with the prime minister on bloody sunday. did the prime minister agreed to the chancellor of the exchequer writing off £4.3 billion of fraud? that is £154 of every household in the country. that went directly into the pockets of fraudsters. no, of course not. but what i fraudsters. no, of course not. but what i can — fraudsters. no, of course not. but what i can say _ fraudsters. no, of course not. but what i can say is— fraudsters. no, of course not. but what i can say is we do not support fraudsters or those who steal from the public purse, but what i can tell her is that everybody in this country should be very proud of the huge effort that was made by lord agnew and others to secure ventilators and to secure ppe and at the time, captain ironside and

others were calling for us to go faster, mr speaker —— captain ironside. faster, mr speaker -- captain ironside. y . faster, mr speaker -- captain ironside— faster, mr speaker -- captain ironside. g ., , ., ironside. my local hospital the geora e ironside. my local hospital the george eliot — ironside. my local hospital the george eliot has _ ironside. my local hospital the george eliot has recently - ironside. my local hospital the i george eliot has recently issued ironside. my local hospital the - george eliot has recently issued all of its staff, helpers and volunteers with a medal in recognition of the work they have done and continue to do really covid pandemic. will the primers tojoin me in do really covid pandemic. will the primers to join me in thanking do really covid pandemic. will the primers tojoin me in thanking them all for the incredible work may have done, including the specialist teams such as palliative care who had to act as some of the family is for patients and relatives who have not been able to attend because of restrictions and will he consider following the lead in issuing a national service medal for all of our key workers who have done such an outstanding job in keeping our country going through the pandemic. yes, of course, and i thank my honourable friend and i am pleased that so many of the volunteers and staff at george eliot hospital have been recognised in the queens new year's honours list. i have seen the

medal they are proposing and i think it is lovely, and as i told the house before, we are establishing a uk commission covid commemoration to consider how we can commemorate everything we have all been through, and the commission will also consider how we can recognise the courage of front line workers. flan consider how we can recognise the courage of front line workers. can j courage of front line workers. can i 'oin with courage of front line workers. can i join with the _ courage of front line workers. can i join with the prime _ courage of front line workers. can i join with the prime minister- courage of front line workers. can i join with the prime minister in his comments in relation to bloody sunday. the ministerial code says that ministers who knowingly mislead parliament will be expected to offer their resignation. does the prime minister believe that applies to him? mr minister believe that applies to him? ~ ,,, ., ,, minister believe that applies to him? ~ .«r ., minister believe that applies to him? ~ ., , , him? mr speaker, of course, but let me tell the — him? mr speaker, of course, but let me tell the house _ him? mr speaker, of course, but let me tell the house that _ him? mr speaker, of course, but let me tell the house that i _ him? mr speaker, of course, but let me tell the house that i think - him? mr speaker, of course, but let me tell the house that i think he - him? mr speaker, of course, but let me tell the house that i think he is l me tell the house that i think he is inviting a question about an investigation which, as you know, i cannot comment on and as a lawyer, he will know that i cannot comment

on, and what i am focused on is delivering the fastest recovery of any european economy from covid, the fastest booster roll—out, 400,000 more people on the payroll is now the mayor worked before the pandemic began, we are launching a policy tomorrow. he talks about people being out of work. , and i understand why he wants it in my case, but we are launching a plan to get half a million people off welfare into work. it's a fantastic idea and i hope you support it. j idea and i hope you support it. i think the prime minister said idea and i hope you support it. j think the prime minister said yes he agrees that the code does apply to him. and therefore, if he misled parliament, he must resign. on the 1st of december the prime minister told this house in relation to parties during lockdown that all guidance was followed completely in 10 downing street, from that

dispatch box. on the 8th of december. it looks quizzical, he said. on the 8th of december the prime minister told this house, i have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged there was no party. so since he acknowledges the ministerial code applies to him, will he now resign? h0. the ministerial code applies to him, will he now resign?— the ministerial code applies to him, will he now resign? no, mr speaker. but since will he now resign? no, mr speaker. ihut since he — will he now resign? no, mr speaker. but since he asks _ will he now resign? no, mr speaker. but since he asks about _ will he now resign? no, mr speaker. but since he asks about covid - but since he asks about covid restrictions, let me just remind the house and indeed remind the country that he has been relentlessly opportunistic throughout. he has flip—flopped from one side to the other. he would have kept us in lockdown in the summer. he would have taken us back into lockdown at christmas. and it is precisely because we didn't listen to him that

we have the fastest growing economy in the g7, and we have got all of the big calls right. the in the g7, and we have got all of the big calls right.— the big calls right. the guy that said in hindsight _ the big calls right. the guy that said in hindsight he _ the big calls right. the guy that said in hindsight he now- the big calls right. the guy that - said in hindsight he now appreciates it was a party. we discovered the real captain hindsight, haven't we? let me spell out, they shout now, they will have to go around events of this nonsense. —— and defend some of this nonsense. —— and defend some of this nonsense. let me set out the significance of yesterday's developments. sue gray referred the matter to the police having seen the potential of the behaviour was a criminal offence. prime minister, if you don't understand the significance of what happened yesterday, then i really do despair because the police having got that material from sue gray,

because the police having got that materialfrom sue gray, subjected because the police having got that material from sue gray, subjected to a test to decide whether to investigate that test was whether it was the most serious and flagrant type of breach the rules. the police spelt out but what they meant by that, but those involved knew or ought to have known what they were doing was an offence, and there was little ambiguity about the absence of reasonable thought. does the prime minister... this of reasonable thought. does the prime minister. . .— of reasonable thought. does the prime minister... this question will continue and _ prime minister... this question will continue and i _ prime minister... this question will continue and i will _ prime minister... this question will continue and i will hear _ prime minister... this question will continue and i will hear the - continue and i will hear the question. _ continue and i will hear the question. unfortunately, you might not believe this, but our constituents are very interested in both the _ constituents are very interested in both the questions on the answers. if both the questions on the answers. if some _ both the questions on the answers. if some members do not wish to hear it, if some members do not wish to hear it. please _ if some members do not wish to hear it, please leave quietly.— it, please leave quietly. having got the material _ it, please leave quietly. having got the material from _ it, please leave quietly. having got the material from sue _ it, please leave quietly. having got the material from sue gray, - it, please leave quietly. having got the material from sue gray, the i the materialfrom sue gray, the police had to take a decision as to whether what they had before them was the most serious and flagrant

types of breaches of the rules. members want to at that, laugh. the police spelt out what they meant, they decided on the material they have already got that those involved knew or ought to have known what they were doing was an offence and that there was little ambiguity around the absence of any reasonable defence. does the prime minister really not understand the damage his behaviour is doing to our country? j behaviour is doing to our country? i hope the right honourable gentleman understands that although the issue that he raises is important, there is simply no way, as he knows, as a lawyer, that i can comment on the investigation that is currently taking place. and what are also knows, he talks about the most serious issue before the public today on the world today, and it's almost as if he was an ignorance of the fact that we have a crisis on

the fact that we have a crisis on the borders of ukraine, and i can tell him what is going on in the cabinet room of this country is that the uk government is bringing the west together, led by this government under prime minister and our foreign secretary and defence secretary, to bring the west together to have the toughest possible package of sanctions to deter president putin from what i think would be a reckless and catastrophic invasion. that is what this government is doing. we are getting on with the job and i think he needs to raise his game, frankly. can ijust he needs to raise his game, frankly. can i just say, he needs to raise his game, frankly. can ijust say, honestly, to both sides. _ can ijust say, honestly, to both sides. our— can ijust say, honestly, to both sides, our constituents are watching, tensions are running high

and what _ watching, tensions are running high and what we need to be able to do is allow— and what we need to be able to do is allow the _ and what we need to be able to do is allow the people out there who are bothered _ allow the people out there who are bothered about their futures to hear what you _ bothered about their futures to hear what you said on both sides, so, please. — what you said on both sides, so, please, let's give the respect our constituents deserve. this please, let's give the respect our constituents deserve.— please, let's give the respect our constituents deserve. this was the prime minister _ constituents deserve. this was the prime minister went _ constituents deserve. this was the prime minister went into _ constituents deserve. this was the prime minister went into hiding i constituents deserve. this was the j prime minister went into hiding for five days because of these allegations. talk to me about being around for the allegations. cani can ijust can i just say, can ijust say, i don't want to do this. _ can ijust say, i don't want to do this. but— can ijust say, i don't want to do this. but i— can ijust say, i don't want to do this, but i am determined to make sure our— this, but i am determined to make sure our constituents come here. the next person— sure our constituents come here. the next person that stops me hearing will not _ next person that stops me hearing will not be — next person that stops me hearing will not be continuing in this debate. _ will not be continuing in this debate. ~ . �* . debate. the prime minister's continual— debate. the prime minister's continual defence _ debate. the prime minister's continual defence is - debate. the prime minister's continual defence is wait - debate. the prime minister's continual defence is wait for| debate. the prime minister's i continual defence is wait for the sue gray report. on the 8th of december he told this house i will place a copy of the report in the library of the house of commons. his

spokesperson has repeatedly stated that means the full report, not parts of the report, not a summary of the report, not an edited copy, so can the prime minister confirmed that he will publish the full sue gray report as he receives it? itoothed gray report as he receives it? what i can tell gray report as he receives it? what i can tell him _ gray report as he receives it? what i can tell him is _ gray report as he receives it? what i can tell him is that _ gray report as he receives it? what i can tell him is that we _ gray report as he receives it? what i can tell him is that we have - gray report as he receives it? what i can tell him is that we have to leave the report to the independent investigator, as he knows and when i receive it of course i will do exactly what i said, but i can tell him that in the meantime what the people of this country want to hear is what we are doing to tackle the issues that matter to all of us. fixing the cost of living, helping people across the country by lifting the living wage, by helping people with their fuel costs, as this government is, and by cutting the tax of people on universal credit by £1000,

tax of people on universal credit by e1000, and, that party opposite are committed to abolishing universal credit. that is their policy. cutting the tax? the police say the evidence meets the test and frankly the public of made up their minds, they know he is not fit for the job and that's what really matters here. throughout this gun or the tories have done immense damage to public trust —— throughout the story. when the leader of the scottish conservative said the prime minister should resign, the leader of the house called him a light weight. english conservatives publicly undermining the union by treating scotland with utter disdain. how much damage are the prime minister and his cabinet prepared to do to save his skin?— and his cabinet prepared to do to save his skin? well, i think he was offerin: save his skin? well, i think he was offering yet _ save his skin? well, i think he was offering yet more _ save his skin? well, i think he was offering yet more general- save his skin? well, i think he was offering yet more general criticismj offering yet more general criticism offering yet more general criticism of what has been going on in downing

street. let me remind vows what has been going on in downing street. we have prioritising the covid backlogs, investing massively in 9 million more scams so people get the treatment they need and have been waiting for and making sure they have 44,000 more people in the nhs —— scans. he says it's rubbish they didn't vote for it, they didn't support it, and 44,000 more people in our nhs now than there were in 2020, and we are fixing social care, which governments have neglected for decades and the labour party did absolutely nothing. they have no plan at all to fix the nhs or fixed social care. vote labour, wait longer. social care. vote labour, wait loner. . , , ., ., longer. the reality is that we now have the shameful _ longer. the reality is that we now have the shameful spectacle - longer. the reality is that we now have the shameful spectacle of i longer. the reality is that we now have the shameful spectacle of a | have the shameful spectacle of a prime minister of the united kingdom being subjected to a police

investigation. unable to leave the country, incapable of doing the right thing, and every day his cabinet fails to speak out, they become more and more complicit. and what is utterly damning, despite the horrifying path, is that this is all happening when petrol prices, the weekly shop and energy bills are going the roof. three months ago we suggested cutting vat from energy bills. still the government has failed to act. instead of getting on with theirjobs, they are wheeled out to save his. whatever he says in his statement later today or tomorrow won't change the facts. isn't this a prime minister and a government that have shown nothing but contempt for the decency, honesty and respect of —— that define this country? no, mr speaker, will love this country and we are doing everything in our power to help this country

and, of course he once me out of the way, mr speaker, of course he wants me out of the way and of course, i don't deny it, for all sorts of reasons, many people may want me out of the way but i'll tell you the reason he wants me out of the way, because he knows government can trusted to deliver and we delivered on brexit, mr speaker. he voted 48 times to take this country back into the european union. we delivered the first vaccine roll—out in europe, mr speaker. and we will deliver on our plan to unite and a level up of the uk stop crime down 10%, job vacancies at a high, colossal investment. we are delivering and they have no plan. three times as much tech investment as france in this country, twice as much as

germany. we have a vision for this country is the most prosperous and successful economy in europe because we are going to unite and level up. the problem with the labour party today, mr speaker, is that he is a lawyer, not a leader. that is the truth, mr speaker. we have taken the tough decisions... j truth, mr speaker. we have taken the tough decisions. . .— tough decisions... i can't hear what the prime minister _ tough decisions... i can't hear what the prime minister has _ tough decisions... i can't hear what the prime minister has got - tough decisions... i can't hear what the prime minister has got to - tough decisions... i can't hear what the prime minister has got to say. l tough decisions... i can't hear whatj the prime minister has got to say. i would _ the prime minister has got to say. i would have — the prime minister has got to say. i would have thought if the prime minister. — would have thought if the prime minister, he is the prime minister of the _ minister, he is the prime minister of the side — minister, he is the prime minister of the side of the house, i'm surprised _ of the side of the house, i'm surprised this side of the hose doesn't — surprised this side of the hose doesn't want to listen to it, because _ doesn't want to listen to it, because i_ doesn't want to listen to it, because i do. | doesn't want to listen to it, because i do.— doesn't want to listen to it, because i do. ., , ., ., ., because i do. i only wanted to add the oint because i do. i only wanted to add the point that _ because i do. i only wanted to add the point that we _ because i do. i only wanted to add the point that we have _ because i do. i only wanted to add the point that we have taken - because i do. i only wanted to add the point that we have taken the l the point that we have taken the tough decisions, we have got the big calls right and we are, and in particular i am, getting on with the job. particular i am, getting on with the 'ob. . ~' , ., particular i am, getting on with the 'ob. . ~' ,, ~ particular i am, getting on with the

'ob. . ,, ~ particular i am, getting on with the 'ob. . ~ . , job. thank you mr speaker. the welsh government — job. thank you mr speaker. the welsh government has _ job. thank you mr speaker. the welsh government has been _ job. thank you mr speaker. the welsh government has been dragging - job. thank you mr speaker. the welsh government has been dragging its - government has been dragging its feet on urgent repairs to the newbridge road, in contrast, the prime minister and his government have delivered record levelling up a fund investments of 13 13 milena along the dee valley. from the trevor basin and llangollen, well the prime minister comment on how the prime minister comment on how the next phase of the levelling up a fund will bring hope and prosperity to other communities right across our proud union of the united kingdom? j our proud union of the united kingdom?— our proud union of the united kintdom? . ~' , ., ., kingdom? i thank my honourable friend very _ kingdom? i thank my honourable friend very much _ kingdom? i thank my honourable friend very much and _ kingdom? i thank my honourable friend very much and what - kingdom? i thank my honourable i friend very much and what pleasure it gives way to address the member for clywd south, where i tried to unsuccessfully many years ago and i'm delighted that the levelling up includes the circuit of wales. itoothen includes the circuit of wales. when i come to includes the circuit of wales. when i come to the _ includes the circuit of wales. when i come to the leader _ includes the circuit of wales. when i come to the leader of _ includes the circuit of wales. when i come to the leader of the - includes the circuit of wales. when i come to the leader of the snp, i i come to the leader of the snp, iain blackford.—

iain blackford. thank you, mr speaker. _ iain blackford. thank you, mr speaker. and _ iain blackford. thank you, mr speaker, and can _ iain blackford. thank you, mr speaker, and can i— iain blackford. thank you, mr speaker, and can i associate | iain blackford. thank you, mr- speaker, and can i associate myself with the remarks from the prime minister on bloody sunday and i'm sure you and the entire house for one to commemorate tomorrow the holocaust memorial day, when 6 million dues lost their lives at the hands of the regime of hitler and of course, will remember more recent genocides, like in bosnia and we pray for continued peace in that country. mr speaker, at the heart of this matter, we have a prime minister who is being investigated by the police for breaking his own laws. absolutely unprecedented. a man who domains at the office of prime minister. —— who demeans. this is the latest in a rap sheet that is already a mile long. illegally provoking parliament, misleading the house, decorating with dodgy cash, parting while the public suffered. every moment he stays, he is dragging out the agony of families who are reminded of the sacrifices

they made and dragging his party further through the dirt. the public knows it, the house knows it, even his own mps know it. when will the prime minister cop on and go? j his own mps know it. when will the prime minister cop on and go? i want to 'oin the prime minister cop on and go? i want to join the right— prime minister cop on and go? i want to join the right honourable - to join the right honourable gentleman and echo his sentiments about holocaust memorial day, where i think he is completely right, but i think he is completely right, but i must say that he made at the same point last week. he was wrong then, he is wrong though and as much as i enjoyed cooperating, it is precisely because i enjoyed cooperating with him so much and with all his scottish colleagues, that i have absolutely no intention of doing what he suggests. mr absolutely no intention of doing what he suggests.— absolutely no intention of doing what he su: tests. ~ ,,, ., ,, , what he suggests. mr speaker, every moment that — what he suggests. mr speaker, every moment that the _ what he suggests. mr speaker, every moment that the prime _ what he suggests. mr speaker, every moment that the prime minister - moment that the prime minister lingers, every nick in this death by a thousand cuts, is sucking attention from the real issues

facing the public. tory cuts, brexit and the soaring cost of living have pushed millions of families into poverty. the impending national insurance tax hike hangs like a guillotine while they ate cake. this is nothing short of a crisis and the only route add to, the only route to the back quickly to restore public trust is for the prime minister to go. trust is for the prime minister to 90- " trust is for the prime minister to go. —— the only route to restore public trust. how much longer will tory mps let this go on for? how much damage are they willing to do? it is time to get this over with, minister the door.— it is time to get this over with, minister the door. well, mr speaker, i don't minister the door. well, mr speaker, i don't know — minister the door. well, mr speaker, i don't know who _ minister the door. well, mr speaker, i don't know who has _ minister the door. well, mr speaker, i don't know who has been _ minister the door. well, mr speaker, i don't know who has been eating - i don't know who has been eating more cake... what i would say to the right honourable gentleman, for whom, mr speaker, behind—the—scenes, people don't get this, but actually we cooperate well and i want to

continue to do so.— we cooperate well and i want to continue to do so. thank you, mr seaker. continue to do so. thank you, mr speaker- as _ continue to do so. thank you, mr speaker. as the _ continue to do so. thank you, mr speaker. as the prime _ continue to do so. thank you, mr speaker. as the prime minister l continue to do so. thank you, mr l speaker. as the prime minister will know from personal experience, the river wye is one of the most beautiful rivers in europe, yet its fragile ecosystem is being destroyed by phosphate and other pollution. the river crosses the border between england and wales but, so far, it has proven impossible to get the environment agency, natural england and natural resources wales even to begin planning a single integrated long—term strategy to clean up the river. will the prime minister pressed those agencies now and the welsh government at last to come to the table and will he ask ministers to look at the idea of a new ring fenced national rivers recovery fund, using fines paid by the water companies so we can clean the river wye and other rivers properly once and for all?—

wye and other rivers properly once and for all? ~ ~ ,,, ., ,, ., and for all? well, mr speaker, i had memorable — and for all? well, mr speaker, i had memorable swim _ and for all? well, mr speaker, i had memorable swim in _ and for all? well, mr speaker, i had memorable swim in the _ and for all? well, mr speaker, i had memorable swim in the river - and for all? well, mr speaker, i had memorable swim in the river wye i memorable swim in the river wye myself at around five o'clock in the morning once and it tasted like nectar, but i understand the problems he raises. it is very important our beautiful rivers should be clean and my honourable friend the environment minister will be visiting the area shortly, with or without his swimming trunks and i know that we are urging the welsh government to take this matter as seriously as this government does. so jeffrey donaldson. seriously as this government does. sojeffrey donaldson. the seriously as this government does. so jeffrey donaldson.— so jeffrey donaldson. the prime minister will _ so jeffrey donaldson. the prime minister will know _ so jeffrey donaldson. the prime minister will know that - so jeffrey donaldson. the prime minister will know that many i minister will know that many families across the united kingdom are struggling with the increased cost of living and rising energy costs, but, in northern ireland, thatis costs, but, in northern ireland, that is compounded by the protocol. 27% is the increase in the cost of bringing goods from great britain to northern ireland, when we can get access to those goods. it is costing businesses two and a half million pounds every day, almost £1 billion a year, the cost of the protocol.

the prime minister talks about uniting this nation and levelling up. he could do that by removing the irish sea border and restoring northern ireland's place fully within the uk internal market. j within the uk internal market. i must say that i support passionately the indignation of the right honourable gentleman opposite and, yes, mr speaker, i neverthought, when we negotiated that this would be... 200 businesses have stopped supplying northern ireland, foods are being blocked, christmas cards are being blocked, christmas cards are being blocked, christmas cards are being surcharged and, frankly mr speaker, the eu is implementing this in an insane and petty way and we need to sort it out and i completely support what he is saying. the; need to sort it out and i completely support what he is saying.- support what he is saying. as my riaht support what he is saying. as my right honourable _ support what he is saying. as my right honourable friend -- - support what he is saying. as my right honourable friend -- has i support what he is saying. as my | right honourable friend -- has my right honourable friend —— has my right honourable friend the prime minister seen the report published earlier this month by the eac making recommendations about what else should be done in addition to the

welcome measures and the environment out to clean up our rivers, including the river wye, but all of our rivers. one of the recommendations was that defra should give guidance to ofwat to require water companies to invest much more in water treatment in the next round of capital spending approvals. will he encourage his secretary of state to give this guidance in the strategic policy statement to ofwat expected shortly? thank you very much. yes, my right honourable friend is completely right, i welcome the report by his committee. this government is going further and faster than any other government hitherto to protect and improve the health of our rivers and seas. . ~' improve the health of our rivers and seas. . ~ , ., improve the health of our rivers and seas. . ~ ,, ~ improve the health of our rivers and seas. . ~ ,~. ~ ,,, ., ~ improve the health of our rivers and seas. . ~ seas. thank you, mr speaker. happy unbirthday to — seas. thank you, mr speaker. happy unbirthday to him _ seas. thank you, mr speaker. happy unbirthday to him because, - seas. thank you, mr speaker. happy unbirthday to him because, like - seas. thank you, mr speaker. happy unbirthday to him because, like the. unbirthday to him because, like the mad hatter, he didn't need the excuse of a birthday to have a party

buddy mike at a later did help. so when he had groups of people singing to him when gathering and was illegal and communal singing was banned, my constituents think he has lied and my constituents think that he lied to them when he was partying and telling them all... he lied to them when he was partying and telling them all. . .— and telling them all... order. you can password _ and telling them all... order. you can password your _ and telling them all... order. you can password your constituency i and telling them all... order. you. can password your constituency but you cannot — can password your constituency but you cannot continue to labour that one point. — you cannot continue to labour that one oint. ., , ., , one point. so, i would prefer to be led b a one point. so, i would prefer to be led by a lawyer— one point. so, i would prefer to be led by a lawyer than _ one point. so, i would prefer to be led by a lawyer than a _ one point. so, i would prefer to be led by a lawyer than a liar, - one point. so, i would prefer to be led by a lawyer than a liar, will. one point. so, i would prefer to be led by a lawyer than a liar, will he | led by a lawyer than a liar, will he now resign?— led by a lawyer than a liar, will he now resin? ., ., ., , , now resign? the honourable member will be withdrawing _ now resign? the honourable member will be withdrawing that _ now resign? the honourable member will be withdrawing that comment. i i will be withdrawing that comment. withdraw will be withdrawing that comment. i withdraw it, that is what my constituents think. the honourable gentleman. _ constituents think. the honourable gentleman. i'm — constituents think. the honourable gentleman, i'm afraid, _ constituents think. the honourable gentleman, i'm afraid, in - constituents think. the honourable i gentleman, i'm afraid, in everything he said just now plainly doesn't know what he is talking about and what i can tell him and what i can

tell his constituents is that, irrespective of what they want to focus on and i understand why they do, this government is going to get on with thejob do, this government is going to get on with the job and deliver for the people of this country. mr speaker, the treat people of this country. mr speaker, the great people — people of this country. mr speaker, the great people of— people of this country. mr speaker, the great people of cornwall - people of this country. mr speaker, the great people of cornwall voted l the great people of cornwall voted in our prime minister on a promise to get brexit done. he was successful. faced with a global pandemic, our prime minister set out to build a world beating vaccination programme to save lives. mr speaker, he was successful. he has now lifted covid restrictions against huge pressure not to do so and he has got the economy back on track. can i ask my right honourable friend the prime minister, will he continue to deliver on the priorities of my constituents and the millions across this country who voted for him in

2019? mr this country who voted for him in 2019? ~ ,,, ., ~ ., , this country who voted for him in 2019? ~ ., �* 2019? mr speaker, i really can't imrove 2019? mr speaker, i really can't improve on _ 2019? mr speaker, i really can't improve on the _ 2019? mr speaker, i really can't improve on the brilliant - 2019? mr speaker, i really can't i improve on the brilliant question. the people of south—east cornwall are lucky to have my honourable friend is such i was presented to van she is right and what she says. tomorrow is the second anniversary since my constituent michael o'leary was murdered and his body desecrated in an attempt to cover up the crime. will he meet with campaigners and myself to discuss the need for a new offence or amended sentencing guidelines to reflect the extra suffering faced by the families of murdered victims whose bodies were concealed or i thank you very much for doing this appalling case to the attention of the house and i can assure him he will be getting the meeting he needs at the earliest opportunity. fin will be getting the meeting he needs at the earliest opportunity.— at the earliest opportunity. on the 24th of november— at the earliest opportunity. on the 24th of november i _ at the earliest opportunity. on the 24th of november i asked - at the earliest opportunity. on the 24th of november i asked the - at the earliest opportunity. on the l 24th of november i asked the prime minister if he would meet with me

and my constituents about the future or lack of future of a new hospital in hemel hempstead. i thought when i put in the question today i would have to ask the same question but last night i was offered the meeting. so one another note, prime minister, many children in this country are suffering from a special form of seizure which medical cannabis prescribed by a consultant actually helps them live. only two children in this country get that free on the nhs and the rest of those children have to beg, borrow and scrape with their families to get that prescription issued by a consultant paid for. can the prime minister please use the political will, and i know the secretary of state has the political will, but please push this forward so these children live? j please push this forward so these children live?— please push this forward so these children live? . ,, , ., ., children live? i thank my honourable friend and i— children live? i thank my honourable friend and i am _ children live? i thank my honourable friend and i am delighted _ children live? i thank my honourable friend and i am delighted he - children live? i thank my honourable friend and i am delighted he has - children live? i thank my honourable friend and i am delighted he has the | friend and i am delighted he has the meeting that he wanted. we've already changed the law to allow doctors to prescribe cannabis products where clinically

appropriate and we are very keen to support it provided the mhr raise happy as well. support it provided the mhr raise happy as well-— happy as well. threats and intimidation, _ happy as well. threats and intimidation, bribery - happy as well. threats and intimidation, bribery and l happy as well. threats and - intimidation, bribery and blackmail, racism and islamophobia. that is the character of his government. every day the prime minister lurches from scandal to scandal and meanwhile his government has written £4.3 billion to fraudsters. instead of writing off loans to fraudsters, why won't the prime minister right is resignation to the queen? —— write his resignation. she resignation to the queen? -- write his resignation.— his resignation. she talks about racism and _ his resignation. she talks about racism and islamophobia. - his resignation. she talks about racism and islamophobia. look| his resignation. she talks about l racism and islamophobia. look at this government, mr speaker. look at the modern conservative party. we are the party of hope and opportunity for people across this country, irrespective of race or religion, and we don't care what religion, and we don't care what

religion you affirm, all we care about is if you are interested in ideas of aspiration and opportunity. that is what are about. the recruitment _ that is what are about. the recruitment of _ that is what are about. tjs: recruitment of 20,000 police officers is a fantastic commitment to law and order by this government. bedfordshire, in common with many other police forces, have lost out on about 95 officers as a result of the imposition of dumping in 2004. so we don't have to rely on one—off special grants to say —— stay solvent, will the prime minister recommit to the reformation of the police funding formula in this parliament? m1; police funding formula in this parliament?— police funding formula in this parliament? g ., ., ., , parliament? my right honourable friend the policing _ parliament? my right honourable friend the policing minister - parliament? my right honourable friend the policing minister has i friend the policing minister has assured me we will introduce a new funding formula before the end of the parliament but i am pleased that bedfordshire police have already recruited 100 additional officers as part of our uplift programme and thatis part of our uplift programme and that is part of the 11,000 more that this government has put on the streets. . . ., , �*

streets. twice in recent months i've asked the pm _ streets. twice in recent months i've asked the pm about _ streets. twice in recent months i've asked the pm about his _ streets. twice in recent months i've asked the pm about his and - streets. twice in recent months i've asked the pm about his and his - asked the pm about his and his transport secretary's commitment to deliver the pledge to invest in uk zero emission buses. i did not receive a clear answer and with reports of treasury cuts to the boss buying. is the current chancellor denying you the current prime minister the right to fulfil your pledge to buy 4000 zero emission buses? . pledge to buy 4000 zero emission buses? , , ., , buses? there is never in the history of this country _ buses? there is never in the history of this country been _ buses? there is never in the history of this country been such _ buses? there is never in the history of this country been such a - buses? there is never in the history of this country been such a bonanza j of this country been such a bonanza for buses. i am personally a bass fanatic and we are putting £5 billion into buses and cycling during this parliament —— i am a bus fanatic. and yes of course, we want to see the benefits of that funding spread right across the whole of the united kingdom.—

united kingdom. securing extra health services _ united kingdom. securing extra health services at _ united kingdom. securing extra health services at queens - united kingdom. securing extra| health services at queens marys hospital sid cobb is a priority for local residents and for me as the first home—grown mp from bexley and sidcup. will the prime ministers bought me in delivering this extra money for our local hospital and join in thanking all the staff at queen marys for their incredible ever? j queen marys for their incredible ever? . , ., ., queen marys for their incredible ever? . ., queen marys for their incredible ever? . , ., ., ., queen marys for their incredible ever? . ., ., ., ever? i am proud to say what a 'oy it is to welcome d ever? i am proud to say what a 'oy it is to welcome our d it is to welcome our honourable friend to his place. thejoy seems a little confined on the benches opposite. i thank him for his work and support for everybody at queen mary hospital which he and i campaigned forfor many mary hospital which he and i campaigned for for many years. last year queen mary has received £800,000 of funding and i hope it will benefit further from the 1 million of funding awarded to the nhs foundation trust to improve technology services across its estates. b. technology services across its estates. �* . technology services across its estates. �* , ., ., ., , ., estates. a nurse who organised a

small socially _ estates. a nurse who organised a small socially distanced - small socially distanced demonstration against this government's pay cuts was fined £10,000. people out there are sick to the back teeth of it being one for the tories and for everyone else. the prime minister, for once, needs to do a decent thing. for god sake, resign. j needs to do a decent thing. for god sake. resign-— sake, resign. i don't think there was a question _ sake, resign. i don't think there was a question there. _ sake, resign. i don't think there was a question there. there - sake, resign. i don't think there | was a question there. there was sake, resign. i don't think there i was a question there. there was an invitation for me to do what of course the labour party wants me to do but i'm not going to do it because we are going to carry on with our agenda of uniting and levelling up across the country. i may fundamentally know that they have no answer to that. we have a plan and a vision for this country. they have absolutely nothing to say, and that is the difference between our side and their side.— our side and their side. alongside the threat of _ our side and their side. alongside the threat of a _ our side and their side. alongside the threat of a russian _ our side and their side. alongside the threat of a russian invasion . our side and their side. alongside | the threat of a russian invasion of ukraine there are real fears of china invading taiwan. on sunday, beijing staged a last incursion into taiwan airspace since october. does my right honourable friend agree

with me that military aggression and french occupation are never acceptable anywhere in the world and will he confirm that under this conservative government the uk will always be at the forefront of standing up forcefully for freedom and democracy, security and stability? i and democracy, security and stabili ? ., ~ , and democracy, security and stability?— and democracy, security and stabili ? ., ~ , ., stability? i thank my friend and i want to tell _ stability? i thank my friend and i want to tell him _ stability? i thank my friend and i want to tell him that _ stability? i thank my friend and i want to tell him that the - stability? i thank my friend and i j want to tell him that the chinese military flights to have taken place near taiwan in recent days are not conducive to peace and stability in the region and what we need is a peaceful and constructive dialogue by people on both sides of the taiwan strait and that is what my right honourable friend the foreign secretary and all colleagues are working for. secretary and all colleagues are working for-— but is it for pmqs this week, before we go on let me introduce our guest for this part of the programme.

chris, digital cultural media and sport minister and the shadow secondary of what can pensions and roller. it was potentially an extra may difficult pmqs from the prime minister but we don't yet have an order the sue gray report, by the senior civil servant into gatherings and events during lockdown and we also know a metropolitan police investigation has now started. we are expecting the sue gray report later but it felt as if the prime minister was more buoyant than he has been over the last couple of weeks, there was some fighting talk, he said about keir starmer he as a lawyer and not a leader. does he have any justification to lawyer and not a leader. does he have anyjustification to be sounding buoyant? i have anyjustification to be sounding buoyant?- have anyjustification to be sounding buoyant? have anyjustification to be

soundin: buo ant? ~ ., sounding buoyant? i think he has a reason to try _ sounding buoyant? i think he has a reason to try to _ sounding buoyant? i think he has a reason to try to sound _ sounding buoyant? i think he has a reason to try to sound buoyant - sounding buoyant? i think he has a reason to try to sound buoyant to l reason to try to sound buoyant to get his backbenchers feeling upbeat and he has fight left in him and there is something still worth fighting for and from that session look like tory backbenchers when enjoying the performance, it was real fighting talk and politics changes like quicksilver, and boris johnson clearly has been making quite belated efforts but more efforts to shore up his part of the conservative party and keep people on board. whether that makes any difference ultimately who knows but there is a sense that everyone on all sides of the political village and marking time and for a lot of viewers we will still think a liberal backbencher making a very impassioned plea that has played

medicine should resign, using the band layer want so high passions but many the conservatives were think they needed to see. fine many the conservatives were think they needed to see. one important oint keir they needed to see. one important point keir starmer _ they needed to see. one important point keir starmer raised _ they needed to see. one important point keir starmer raised and - they needed to see. one important point keir starmer raised and borisj point keir starmer raised and boris johnson repeated as the placing a copy of the report in the house of commons, that implies a complete fool copy of the report which is completed and which will have potentially evidence that will underline whatever her conclusions are, do we understand that to be a full and complete report. it are, do we understand that to be a full and complete report. it depends what ou full and complete report. it depends what you mean. _ full and complete report. it depends what you mean, if— full and complete report. it depends what you mean, if you _ full and complete report. it depends what you mean, if you are _ you do your research and then you write the actual piece of work which may be 20 or 50 pages, it is my understanding when people and whitehall are talking about the full report the whole actual report not

every single message and photograph and we know some photographs have been shared, not every note on e—mail or text message sol been shared, not every note on e—mail or text message so i don't think all the evidence she has gathered bobby published, every sentence that was uttered in every interview but it has been put to be strongly that even though there has been wrangling with number ten the full report as written by sue gray will emerge and notjust a flimsy executive summary which some people had been suggesting was what downing street wanted to happen but the prime minister recommitting to put a copy of the full report, that is different from every single grisly bit of evidence but he did commit to that they are and that suggests that argument is over. the that they are and that suggests that argument is over.— that they are and that suggests that argument is over. the prime minister said at one point _ argument is over. the prime minister said at one point responding - argument is over. the prime minister said at one point responding to - argument is over. the prime minister said at one point responding to keir l said at one point responding to keir starmer i am trying to get on with thejob of being prime minister, do

you accept that it is very much of his own making that he is unable to do so and that he cannot actually deal with the big issues of the day, whether they are on the cost of living or this country's response to ukraine, because of this. i living or this country's response to ukraine, because of this.— ukraine, because of this. i don't accet ukraine, because of this. i don't accept that _ ukraine, because of this. i don't accept that for _ ukraine, because of this. i don't accept that for one _ ukraine, because of this. i don't accept that for one minute, - ukraine, because of this. i don't accept that for one minute, we | accept that for one minute, we sought— accept that for one minute, we sought figures today showing we have the fastest growth and the g7, more 'obs the fastest growth and the g7, more jobs on _ the fastest growth and the g7, more jobs on the — the fastest growth and the g7, more jobs on the payroll than before the pandemic, — jobs on the payroll than before the pandemic, the booster programme leading _ pandemic, the booster programme leading europe on all these important things that affect day—to—day lives, the government is delivering _ day—to—day lives, the government is delivering and has been for a long time, _ delivering and has been for a long time, the — delivering and has been for a long time, the only people going on about this issue _ time, the only people going on about this issue to— time, the only people going on about this issue to the exclusion of everything else is the opposition. i 'ust everything else is the opposition. i just listen— everything else is the opposition. i just listen to pmqs and end that session— just listen to pmqs and end that session not a single labour or snp mp even_ session not a single labour or snp mp even asked about the issue of russia _ mp even asked about the issue of russia and — mp even asked about the issue of russia and ukraine. they wanted to talk about _ russia and ukraine. they wanted to talk about everything else so it is

not the _ talk about everything else so it is not the government that has the li-ht not the government that has the light of— not the government that has the light of the ball at as the opposition. light of the ball at as the opposition-— light of the ball at as the opposition. light of the ball at as the o--osition. �* , opposition. are you saying these issues cancel _ opposition. are you saying these issues cancel oat _ opposition. are you saying these issues cancel oat anything - opposition. are you saying these issues cancel oat anything that l issues cancel oat anything that makes have gone on in terms of rule breaking, as the integrity of the prime minister unimportant in the arena of politics when we are talking about these other issues was that as not what i said. this talking about these other issues was that as not what i said.— that as not what i said. as that what we can — that as not what i said. as that what we can conclude. - that as not what i said. as that what we can conclude. the - that as not what i said. as that i what we can conclude. the report will come — what we can conclude. the report will come out sooner that will address— will come out sooner that will address the issues you are raising, but what _ address the issues you are raising, but what was extraordinary about keir starmer's questions as he was presupposing the fact that as an investigation supposes guilt which is a the _ investigation supposes guilt which is a the ticket was assumption. this is a the ticket was assumption. this is about integrity in politics and it is politically— is about integrity in politics and it is politically at _ is about integrity in politics and it is politically at the _ is about integrity in politics and i it is politically at the government is an— it is politically at the government is an art— it is politically at the government is an art paralysis, _ it is politically at the government is an art paralysis, you _ it is politically at the government is an art paralysis, you only - it is politically at the government is an art paralysis, you only to i is an art paralysis, you only to what — is an art paralysis, you only to what can— is an art paralysis, you only to what can only _ is an art paralysis, you only to what can only house - is an art paralysis, you only to what can only house of - is an art paralysis, you only to - what can only house of commons, plotting _ what can only house of commons, plotting in— what can only house of commons, plotting in corners, _ what can only house of commons, plotting in corners, trying - what can only house of commons, plotting in corners, trying to - what can only house of commons, plotting in corners, trying to savel plotting in corners, trying to save the prime — plotting in corners, trying to save the prime minister—

plotting in corners, trying to save the prime minister or— plotting in corners, trying to savel the prime minister or alternatively trying _ the prime minister or alternatively trying to— the prime minister or alternatively trying to work— the prime minister or alternatively trying to work out _ the prime minister or alternatively trying to work out whether - the prime minister or alternatively trying to work out whether they. trying to work out whether they should — trying to work out whether they should jump _ trying to work out whether they should jump to— trying to work out whether they should jump to liz— trying to work out whether they should jump to liz truss - trying to work out whether they should jump to liz truss or- trying to work out whether theyl should jump to liz truss or rishi sunak. _ should jump to liz truss or rishi sunak. it — should jump to liz truss or rishi sunak. it is _ should jump to liz truss or rishi sunak, it is remarkable - should jump to liz truss or rishi sunak, it is remarkable he - should jump to liz truss or rishi sunak, it is remarkable he is- should jump to liz truss or rishij sunak, it is remarkable he is not out they— sunak, it is remarkable he is not out they are _ sunak, it is remarkable he is not out they are defending _ sunak, it is remarkable he is not out they are defending the - sunak, it is remarkable he is not| out they are defending the prime minister. — out they are defending the prime minister. you _ out they are defending the prime minister, you are _ out they are defending the prime minister, you are more _ out they are defending the prime minister, you are more likely- out they are defending the prime minister, you are more likely to. out they are defending the prime i minister, you are more likely to see elvis riding — minister, you are more likely to see elvis riding sugar— minister, you are more likely to see elvis riding sugar but _ minister, you are more likely to see elvis riding sugar but when - minister, you are more likely to see elvis riding sugar but when you i minister, you are more likely to see| elvis riding sugar but when you have this cost— elvis riding sugar but when you have this cost of— elvis riding sugar but when you have this cost of living _ elvis riding sugar but when you have this cost of living crisis, _ elvis riding sugar but when you have this cost of living crisis, this- this cost of living crisis, this april— this cost of living crisis, this april pensioners _ this cost of living crisis, this april pensioners will- this cost of living crisis, this april pensioners will see i this cost of living crisis, this april pensioners will see a l this cost of living crisis, this- april pensioners will see a pension cut and _ april pensioners will see a pension cut and real— april pensioners will see a pension cut and real terms _ april pensioners will see a pension cut and real terms for _ april pensioners will see a pension cut and real terms for inflation i cut and real terms for inflation hits 6% — cut and real terms for inflation hits 6% as— cut and real terms for inflation hits 6% as predicted, - cut and real terms for inflation hits 6% as predicted, and i cut and real terms for inflation hits 6% as predicted, and yet. cut and real terms for inflation i hits 6% as predicted, and yet the government— hits 6% as predicted, and yet the government is— hits 6% as predicted, and yet the government is completely - hits 6% as predicted, and yet the government is completely mired| hits 6% as predicted, and yet the l government is completely mired in these _ government is completely mired in these scandals _ government is completely mired in these scandals and _ government is completely mired in these scandals and trying - government is completely mired in these scandals and trying to - government is completely mired in these scandals and trying to work. these scandals and trying to work out whether— these scandals and trying to work out whether they _ these scandals and trying to work out whether they should - these scandals and trying to work out whether they should stick- these scandals and trying to workl out whether they should stick with boris _ out whether they should stick with borisjohnson _ out whether they should stick with borisjohnson on _ out whether they should stick with boris johnson on get _ out whether they should stick with boris johnson on get rid _ out whether they should stick with borisjohnson on get rid of- out whether they should stick with borisjohnson on get rid of him. i borisjohnson on get rid of him. purl _ borisjohnson on get rid of him. purl mps — borisjohnson on get rid of him. puri mps should _ borisjohnson on get rid of him. puri mps should like _ borisjohnson on get rid of him. puri mps should like in- borisjohnson on get rid of him. puri mps should like in the i borisjohnson on get rid of him. i puri mps should like in the national interest— puri mps should like in the national interest and — puri mps should like in the national interest and get _ puri mps should like in the national interest and get rid _ puri mps should like in the national interest and get rid of— puri mps should like in the national interest and get rid of him, - puri mps should like in the national interest and get rid of him, shall. interest and get rid of him, shall some _ interest and get rid of him, shall some spine _ interest and get rid of him, shall some spine ln _ interest and get rid of him, shall some spine-— interest and get rid of him, shall some sine. �* , some spine. in aprilthe minimum ware will some spine. in aprilthe minimum wage will go _ some spine. in aprilthe minimum wage will go up — some spine. in aprilthe minimum wage will go up to _ some spine. in aprilthe minimum wage will go up to £9. _ some spine. in aprilthe minimum wage will go up to £9. what i some spine. in aprilthe minimum wage will go up to £9. what will. wage will go up to £9. what will happen— wage will go up to £9. what will happen is— wage will go up to £9. what will happen is the universal credit will be extended, put £1000 a year and

pockets _ be extended, put £1000 a year and pockets was to don't forget the tax rise. ~ . , w' pockets was to don't forget the tax rise. . ., , a ., pockets was to don't forget the tax rise. . ., , ., ., ., ., rise. what struck about the national insurance rise _ rise. what struck about the national insurance rise in _ rise. what struck about the national insurance rise in april, _ rise. what struck about the national insurance rise in april, and - rise. what struck about the national insurance rise in april, and you i rise. what struck about the national insurance rise in april, and you had| insurance rise in april, and you had a percent sure will happen. yes. insurance rise in april, and you had a percent sure will happen. yes, we need to find — a percent sure will happen. yes, we need to find the _ a percent sure will happen. yes, we need to find the nhs _ a percent sure will happen. yes, we need to find the nhs properly, i a percent sure will happen. yes, we need to find the nhs properly, it i a percent sure will happen. yes, we need to find the nhs properly, it is| need to find the nhs properly, it is astonishing the labour party voted against _ astonishing the labour party voted against putting more money into the nhs but _ against putting more money into the nhs but firstly the 6 million people on low— nhs but firstly the 6 million people on low incomes will not pay a penny more _ on low incomes will not pay a penny more and _ on low incomes will not pay a penny more and the highest paid 14% of earners _ more and the highest paid 14% of earners will pay half that tax was at it's _ earners will pay half that tax was at it's a _ earners will pay half that tax was at it's a fair— earners will pay half that tax was at it's a fair way of getting more nroney— at it's a fair way of getting more money into— at it's a fair way of getting more money into the nhs was why i dozens of conservative mps pleading with the government and chancel to drop this rise _ the government and chancel to drop this rise in _ the government and chancel to drop this rise in national insurance contributions at a time when inflation _ contributions at a time when inflation is running well over 5%. |

inflation is running well over 5%. i have inflation is running well over 5%. have asked inflation is running well over 5%. i have asked you by tory mps your colleagues saying this. i have asked you by tory mps your colleagues saying this.— colleagues saying this. i haven't held that. they _ colleagues saying this. i haven't held that. they have _ colleagues saying this. i haven't held that. they have said i colleagues saying this. i haven't held that. they have said it i colleagues saying this. i haven't held that. they have said it on l held that. they have said it on airwaves.- _ held that. they have said it on airwaves,. if— held that. they have said it on airwaves,. if you _ held that. they have said it on airwaves,. if you are - held that. they have said it on| airwaves,. if you are concerned about people — airwaves,. if you are concerned about people paying _ airwaves,. if you are concerned about people paying less i airwaves,. if you are concerned about people paying less tax i airwaves,. if you are concerned i about people paying less tax then we have increased the threshold for income — have increased the threshold for income tax, your first thousand pounds — income tax, your first thousand pounds of— income tax, your first thousand pounds of income do not pa single penny— pounds of income do not pa single penny of— pounds of income do not pa single penny of income tax making sure that is more _ penny of income tax making sure that is more money and pockets,. if is more money and pockets,. labour were is more money and pockets,. if labourwere in is more money and pockets,. if labour were in government would you be scrapping the increase altogether, you would be going ahead with it, how would you replace the funding at the money you agenda it for the nhs. funding at the money you agenda it forthe nhs-— for the nhs. taxation is fundamentally - for the nhs. taxation is fundamentally about i for the nhs. taxation is i fundamentally about choices for the nhs. taxation is - fundamentally about choices so for the nhs. taxation is _ fundamentally about choices so we have suggested _ fundamentally about choices so we have suggested stocks _ fundamentally about choices so we have suggested stocks and - fundamentally about choices so wej have suggested stocks and shares, bil have suggested stocks and shares, big tech— have suggested stocks and shares, big tech companies. _ have suggested stocks and shares, big tech companies. we _ have suggested stocks and shares, big tech companies. we also - have suggested stocks and shares, j big tech companies. we also would not be _ big tech companies. we also would not be writing — big tech companies. we also would not be writing off _ big tech companies. we also would not be writing off 4.5 _ big tech companies. we also would not be writing off 4.5 billion -

big tech companies. we also would not be writing off 4.5 billion and i not be writing off 4.5 billion and fraud _ not be writing off 4.5 billion and fraud that — not be writing off 4.5 billion and fraud that rishi _ not be writing off 4.5 billion and fraud that rishi sunak— not be writing off 4.5 billion and fraud that rishi sunak has i not be writing off 4.5 billion and| fraud that rishi sunak has done. taxpayers — fraud that rishi sunak has done. taxpayers money— fraud that rishi sunak has done. taxpayers money down - fraud that rishi sunak has done. taxpayers money down the i fraud that rishi sunak has done. i taxpayers money down the drain. let's _ taxpayers money down the drain. let's about— taxpayers money down the drain. let's about your _ taxpayers money down the drain. let's about your point _ taxpayers money down the drain. let's about your point about i taxpayers money down the drain. let's about your point about it - let's about your point about it being fair, how much money with those things raise? i'll be talking about... ., . ~' ' those things raise? i'll be talking about... ., ' . , about... you make different choices, look at stocks _ about... you make different choices, look at stocks and _ about... you make different choices, look at stocks and shares _ about... you make different choices, look at stocks and shares and - about... you make different choices, look at stocks and shares and big - look at stocks and shares and big take and — look at stocks and shares and big take and corporation _ look at stocks and shares and big take and corporation tax, - look at stocks and shares and big take and corporation tax, the - take and corporation tax, the problem _ take and corporation tax, the problem with_ take and corporation tax, the problem with what _ take and corporation tax, the problem with what the - take and corporation tax, the problem with what the tories take and corporation tax, the - problem with what the tories are doing _ problem with what the tories are doing as — problem with what the tories are doing as taxing _ problem with what the tories are doing as taxing working - problem with what the tories are doing as taxing working people . problem with what the tories are . doing as taxing working people and will be _ doing as taxing working people and will be punishing _ doing as taxing working people and will be punishing when— doing as taxing working people and will be punishing when prices- doing as taxing working people and will be punishing when prices are l will be punishing when prices are going _ will be punishing when prices are going up — will be punishing when prices are going up do _ will be punishing when prices are auoin u. ~' will be punishing when prices are moinu_ 4' ., going up. do you think it will go ahead? i do. — going up. do you think it will go ahead? i do, the _ going up. do you think it will go ahead? i do, the treasury - going up. do you think it will go ahead? i do, the treasury was i going up. do you think it will go . ahead? i do, the treasury was very ex - licit ahead? i do, the treasury was very explicit with _ ahead? i do, the treasury was very explicit with downing _ ahead? i do, the treasury was very explicit with downing street - ahead? i do, the treasury was very explicit with downing street in - explicit with downing street in terms of saying if you want this extra money for the nhs to cope with covid backlogs and future to want social care then we have to find a way of paying for it that is not just cutting on borrowing and that as the genesis for the idea that the national insurance rise was

conceived. because conservative backbenchers believe the prime minister is very vulnerable they think there's a moment to try to get that reversed by the legislation has passed so to not go ahead with this would be a really big deal and would leave a chunky black hole and the treasury finances, something the chancellor is to avoid. right now things are pretty and plentiful and there are ministers want to see this go ahead but on the current expectation i do not think the government is going to back tone. back to the issue of the sue gray report impact on the reaction from the conservative party, issues like the conservative party, issues like the cost of living are absolutely critical, you heard during pmqs talking about cabinet complicity, was surely this from the deputy labour leader, it is notjust the

prime... we don't know what is and the sue gray report yet, and you absolutely confident that having sat here on more than one occasion defending the prime minister that you will not regret that. we prime minister that you will not regret that-— regret that. we have all said consistently _ regret that. we have all said consistently we _ regret that. we have all said consistently we should - regret that. we have all said consistently we should waitl regret that. we have all said i consistently we should wait for regret that. we have all said - consistently we should wait for the report _ consistently we should wait for the report and — consistently we should wait for the report and the fact keir starmer and angela _ report and the fact keir starmer and angela rayner are trying to prejudge and pre—empt the result is not something i will get involved with, let's wait_ something i will get involved with, let's wait and see what the report says and — let's wait and see what the report says and the facts will be uncovered, that is the right way to do things — uncovered, that is the right way to do things. do uncovered, that is the right way to do thins. n, ,, uncovered, that is the right way to do thins. ,, , uncovered, that is the right way to dothinus. , do things. do you still feel as boris johnson _ do things. do you still feel as boris johnson once _ do things. do you still feel as boris johnson once said - do things. do you still feel as boris johnson once said he i do things. do you still feel as i boris johnson once said he was borisjohnson once said he was confident all the guidelines had been followed at all times? he said that and i accept _ been followed at all times? he said that and i accept his _ been followed at all times? he said

that and i accept his assurance. - been followed at all times? he said that and i accept his assurance. i i that and i accept his assurance. i have _ that and i accept his assurance. i have confidence, we saw a strong performance at the dispatch box today— performance at the dispatch box today is — performance at the dispatch box today is talking about the action taken to— today is talking about the action taken to deliver the highest growth in the _ taken to deliver the highest growth in the g7. — taken to deliver the highest growth in the g7, record jobs, record low youth _ in the g7, record jobs, record low youth unemployment. as in the g7, record jobs, record low youth unemployment. its a in the g7, record jobs, record low youth unemployment. as a minister, has been uncomfortable _ youth unemployment. as a minister, has been uncomfortable for- youth unemployment. as a minister, has been uncomfortable for you - youth unemployment. as a minister, has been uncomfortable for you to i has been uncomfortable for you to see how the narrative and owned all this from downing street has changed? it started with the prime minister saying i'm confident guidelines had been followed then moved onto i have been assuring the runner parties then i welcome the fact that as an investigation then moves on to suddenly did not do some things correctly, surely as a minister that believes in integrity that must be uncomfortable. clearly facts have come _ that must be uncomfortable. clearly facts have come out _ that must be uncomfortable. clearly facts have come out at _ that must be uncomfortable. clearly facts have come out at different - facts have come out at different times, — facts have come out at different times, facts one assumes the play mirrister— times, facts one assumes the play minister does not know about for top that i_ minister does not know about for top that i think— minister does not know about for top that i think that happened and we

don't _ that i think that happened and we don't know and that is precisely why we need _ don't know and that is precisely why we need a _ don't know and that is precisely why we need a proper independent report to establish exactly what the facts are. to establish exactly what the facts are do _ to establish exactly what the facts are. y ., to establish exactly what the facts are. , . , are. do you thicken will be credible to 'ust aet are. do you thicken will be credible to just get rid _ are. do you thicken will be credible to just get rid of — are. do you thicken will be credible to just get rid of senior— are. do you thicken will be credible to just get rid of senior staff - are. do you thicken will be credible to just get rid of senior staff at - to just get rid of senior staff at downing street and whitehall that they will have to take responsibility for what went on when the man in charge whether he says he didn't break any rules or not that happened on his watch under his roof broadly across downing street that he doesn't. you broadly across downing street that he doesn't. ., ., ., ,~' ., he doesn't. you are asking me to pre-empt — he doesn't. you are asking me to pre-empt the _ he doesn't. you are asking me to pre-empt the findings _ he doesn't. you are asking me to pre-empt the findings of- he doesn't. you are asking me to pre-empt the findings of a - he doesn't. you are asking me to j pre-empt the findings of a report he doesn't. you are asking me to i pre-empt the findings of a report at pre—empt the findings of a report at the question you are asking quite reasonably well i've think get answered by the report and i will not set _ answered by the report and i will not set yet and speculate about what it may _ not set yet and speculate about what it may may— not set yet and speculate about what it may may not see.— it may may not see. let's say it does not _ it may may not see. let's say it does not actually _ it may may not see. let's say it does not actually conclude - it may may not see. let's say it does not actually conclude in i it may may not see. let's say it - does not actually conclude in anyway that the prime minister has to take a sponsor ability or that he breached the ministerial code, well you accept that. it is breached the ministerial code, well you accept that-— you accept that. it is clearly ublic you accept that. it is clearly public have _ you accept that. it is clearly public have made _ you accept that. it is clearly public have made up - you accept that. it is clearly public have made up their l you accept that. it is clearly - public have made up their main. will

ou acce -t public have made up their main. you accept the sue gray report whatever it says? irate you accept the sue gray report whatever it says?— you accept the sue gray report whatever it says? we will study it carefull . whatever it says? we will study it carefully- it _ whatever it says? we will study it carefully. it is _ whatever it says? we will study it carefully. it is quite _ whatever it says? we will study it carefully. it is quite self-evidentl carefully. it is quite self—evident that he — carefully. it is quite self—evident that he has— carefully. it is quite self—evident that he has broken— carefully. it is quite self—evident that he has broken the - carefully. it is quite self—evident that he has broken the rules - carefully. it is quite self—evidentj that he has broken the rules and lied to _ that he has broken the rules and lied to parliament _ that he has broken the rules and lied to parliament and _ that he has broken the rules and lied to parliament and that - that he has broken the rules and lied to parliament and that is - that he has broken the rules and lied to parliament and that is a i lied to parliament and that is a political— lied to parliament and that is a political operation _ lied to parliament and that is a political operation going - lied to parliament and that is a political operation going on - lied to parliament and that is a political operation going on to| lied to parliament and that is a . political operation going on to try and save — political operation going on to try and save his _ political operation going on to try and save his skin— political operation going on to try and save his skin when— political operation going on to try and save his skin when really- political operation going on to tryi and save his skin when really what ministers — and save his skin when really what ministers should _ and save his skin when really what ministers should be _ and save his skin when really what ministers should be focusing - and save his skin when really what ministers should be focusing on i ministers should be focusing on is the fact— ministers should be focusing on is the fact the — ministers should be focusing on is the fact the energy _ ministers should be focusing on is the fact the energy bows - ministers should be focusing on is the fact the energy bows are - ministers should be focusing on is i the fact the energy bows are growing up, the fact the energy bows are growing up. prices _ the fact the energy bows are growing up. pricesare— the fact the energy bows are growing up, prices are rising, _ the fact the energy bows are growing up, prices are rising, big— the fact the energy bows are growing up, prices are rising, big cuts- up, prices are rising, big cuts coming — up, prices are rising, big cuts coming and _ up, prices are rising, big cuts coming and punishing - up, prices are rising, big cuts coming and punishing tax- up, prices are rising, big cuts. coming and punishing tax rises up, prices are rising, big cuts- coming and punishing tax rises and everyone _ coming and punishing tax rises and everyone knows— coming and punishing tax rises and everyone knows he _ coming and punishing tax rises and everyone knows he has— coming and punishing tax rises and everyone knows he has lied. - coming and punishing tax rises and everyone knows he has lied. he . coming and punishing tax rises and. everyone knows he has lied. he said it was— everyone knows he has lied. he said it was a _ everyone knows he has lied. he said it was a party, — everyone knows he has lied. he said it was a party, at the _ everyone knows he has lied. he said it was a party, at the dispatch - everyone knows he has lied. he said it was a party, at the dispatch box . it was a party, at the dispatch box then— it was a party, at the dispatch box then it _ it was a party, at the dispatch box then it comes— it was a party, at the dispatch box then it comes out— it was a party, at the dispatch box then it comes out he _ it was a party, at the dispatch box then it comes out he went - it was a party, at the dispatch box then it comes out he went to- it was a party, at the dispatch box then it comes out he went to a - it was a party, at the dispatch box . then it comes out he went to a party people _ then it comes out he went to a party peopie were — then it comes out he went to a party peopie were told _ then it comes out he went to a party people were told to _ then it comes out he went to a party people were told to bring _ then it comes out he went to a party people were told to bring their - then it comes out he went to a party people were told to bring their owni people were told to bring their own booze, _ people were told to bring their own booze, they— people were told to bring their own booze, they are _ people were told to bring their own booze, they are taking _ people were told to bring their own booze, they are taking the - people were told to bring their own booze, they are taking the british i booze, they are taking the british people _ booze, they are taking the british peopie for — booze, they are taking the british peopie for ho— booze, they are taking the british people for-— booze, they are taking the british --eole for. ., ., , people for. he apologised. he said as fallacy was _ people for. he apologised. he said as fallacy was considered - people for. he apologised. he said as fallacy was considered was - people for. he apologised. he said as fallacy was considered was to i as fallacy was considered was to thank— as fallacy was considered was to thank very—

as fallacy was considered was to thank very hard—working staff but let's wait — thank very hard—working staff but let's wait for the report and not .et let's wait for the report and not get ahead — let's wait for the report and not get ahead of ourselves.- get ahead of ourselves. talking about what _ get ahead of ourselves. talking about what the _ get ahead of ourselves. talking about what the primers - get ahead of ourselves. talking about what the primers that i get ahead of ourselves. talking | about what the primers that has get ahead of ourselves. talking i about what the primers that has said in the past and you want to take him at his word, a study has emerged whilst we have been on here during pmqs and these are e—mails that have been published relating to the evacuation from afghanistan about the animals, there was dispute as to what actually went on for him to evacuate the animals. it what actually went on for him to evacuate the animals.— what actually went on for him to evacuate the animals. it was quite a bizarre and — evacuate the animals. it was quite a bizarre and sad _ evacuate the animals. it was quite a bizarre and sad story _ evacuate the animals. it was quite a bizarre and sad story out _ evacuate the animals. it was quite a bizarre and sad story out of - evacuate the animals. it was quite a bizarre and sad story out of so i evacuate the animals. it was quite a j bizarre and sad story out of so many awful studies out of the evacuation, the claim was made including by a foreign office whistle—blower that the play minister had been involved and personally entered feeling to push forward the evacuation of animals from an animal charity putting them at the top of the list

when other people in double we are more vulnerable. the prime minister at the time said on the record that it was complete nonsense and denied by downing street. let’s it was complete nonsense and denied by downing street.— by downing street. let's have a listen to what _ by downing street. let's have a listen to what the _ by downing street. let's have a listen to what the prime - by downing street. let's have a | listen to what the prime minister said. the formerfeel listen to what the prime minister said. the former feel committee listen to what the prime minister said. the formerfeel committee has said. the formerfeel committee has said the response has been chaotic and suggested you enter been to get the animal out and they got priority over some afghan people, did you intervene? . , .., , over some afghan people, did you intervene? . , , ., , , intervene? that is complete nonsense but i think intervene? that is complete nonsense but i think the — intervene? that is complete nonsense but i think the operation _ intervene? that is complete nonsense but i think the operation to _ intervene? that is complete nonsense but i think the operation to lp - but i think the operation to lf 15,000 — but i think the operation to lf 15,000 15_ but i think the operation to lf 15,00015 people out of kabul was one of— 15,00015 people out of kabul was one of the — 15,00015 people out of kabul was one of the outstanding military achievements of the last 50 years. complete — achievements of the last 50 years. complete denial and december. but

toda complete denial and december. bit today actual e—mails of discussions have been released by the foreigner feels committee and have put these on their website and i boarded you a brief extract. it refers the prime minister that decision earlier to evacuate the staff of the animal charity goes on to explain various details about what was going on and talks about the prime minister was much authorisation of this and quite clearly we have here written evidence submitted by the foreign office whistle—blower that is in the public domain that very obviously contradicts has claimed that this was all able to have nonsense. we don't yet what downing street will say about this, this was publication of e—mails supplied to the foreigner feels select committee but on a day when many conservative mps who will be the decision makers and the next few days have their own questions about the integrity of the prime minister, this is something that

becomes very awkward for downing street. ~ . , , ., ., street. what is this do to your trust and _ street. what is this do to your trust and the _ street. what is this do to your trust and the prime _ street. what is this do to your trust and the prime minister? | street. what is this do to your| trust and the prime minister? i haven't seen those e—mails, i would observe _ haven't seen those e—mails, i would observe that — haven't seen those e—mails, i would observe that i think you probably authorised all the organisation. in authorised all the organisation. in li-ht authorised all the organisation. light of the authorised all the organisation. in light of the play minister's decision to evacuate the staff of the animal charity. i decision to evacuate the staff of the animal charity.— decision to evacuate the staff of the animal charity. i haven't read all the e-mails _ the animal charity. i haven't read all the e-mails and _ the animal charity. i haven't read all the e-mails and i'd _ the animal charity. i haven't read all the e-mails and i'd be - the animal charity. i haven't read all the e-mails and i'd be do i the animal charity. i haven't read all the e-mails and i'd be do not| all the e—mails and i'd be do not know— all the e—mails and i'd be do not know of— all the e—mails and i'd be do not know of the _ all the e—mails and i'd be do not know of the unrepresented the decision— know of the unrepresented the decision is even accurate so i do not want — decision is even accurate so i do not want to— decision is even accurate so i do not want to comment but i would say the campaign we ran in august was the campaign we ran in august was the leading campaign in europe, the most _ the leading campaign in europe, the most successful campaign of any european — most successful campaign of any european country to evacuate afghan civilians _ european country to evacuate afghan civilians and we are still running now the — civilians and we are still running now the resettlement programme which is the largest of any european country— is the largest of any european country so we can be as a nation very— country so we can be as a nation very proud — country so we can be as a nation very proud of what we achieved in an emergency— very proud of what we achieved in an emergency situation and august more

than any— emergency situation and august more than any other european country and the ongoing work. can than any other european country and the ongoing work.— the ongoing work. can you still take the ongoing work. can you still take the prime minister's _ the ongoing work. can you still take the prime minister's worked - the ongoing work. can you still take the prime minister's worked as i the ongoing work. can you still take| the prime minister's worked as fact? use so you believe what he has said over parties, his attendance, but that was a work event, do you believe him on this issue? yes. he 'ust lies, believe him on this issue? yes. he just lies. you _ believe him on this issue? yes. he just lies, you cannot believe a word that comes — just lies, you cannot believe a word that comes out _ just lies, you cannot believe a word that comes out has _ just lies, you cannot believe a word that comes out has both— just lies, you cannot believe a word that comes out has both at - just lies, you cannot believe a word that comes out has both at the i that comes out has both at the factory— that comes out has both at the factory mps— that comes out has both at the factory mps are _ that comes out has both at the factory mps are standing - that comes out has both at the factory mps are standing by i that comes out has both at the| factory mps are standing by this that comes out has both at the i factory mps are standing by this guy who has— factory mps are standing by this guy who has disgraced _ factory mps are standing by this guy who has disgraced downing - factory mps are standing by this guy who has disgraced downing street, i who has disgraced downing street, margaret— who has disgraced downing street, margaret thatcher _ who has disgraced downing street, margaret thatcher and _ who has disgraced downing street, margaret thatcher and tony- who has disgraced downing street, margaret thatcher and tony blair. who has disgraced downing street, i margaret thatcher and tony blair and winston _ margaret thatcher and tony blair and winston churchill _ margaret thatcher and tony blair and winston churchill would _ margaret thatcher and tony blair and winston churchill would not - margaret thatcher and tony blair and winston churchill would not have i winston churchill would not have behaved — winston churchill would not have behaved like _ winston churchill would not have behaved like this _ winston churchill would not have behaved like this and _ winston churchill would not have behaved like this and you - winston churchill would not have behaved like this and you all i winston churchill would not have| behaved like this and you all stick by him. _ behaved like this and you all stick by him. he — behaved like this and you all stick by him. he is _ behaved like this and you all stick by him. he isa— behaved like this and you all stick by him, he is a liar, _ behaved like this and you all stick by him, he is a liar, he— behaved like this and you all stick by him, he is a liar, he is- behaved like this and you all stick by him, he is a liar, he is a- by him, he is a liar, he is a disgrace. _ by him, he is a liar, he is a disgrace, show— by him, he is a liar, he is a disgrace, show some - by him, he is a liar, he is a- disgrace, show some backbone. he by him, he is a liar, he is a disgrace, show some backbone. he is takin: disgrace, show some backbone. he is taking some — disgrace, show some backbone. he is taking some cheap _ disgrace, show some backbone. taking some cheap political shots they are — taking some cheap political shots they are and it is a bit rich from a party— they are and it is a bit rich from a party of— they are and it is a bit rich from a party of tony blair and the iraq war but let's_ party of tony blair and the iraq war but let's wait for the independent established facts and see what

happens. established facts and see what ha ens. ~ �* . established facts and see what hauens. ~ �* . . established facts and see what ha ens. ~ �* . . ., happens. we're still waiting for the sue gray report. — happens. we're still waiting for the sue gray report, this _ happens. we're still waiting for the sue gray report, this come - happens. we're still waiting for the sue gray report, this come out i happens. we're still waiting for the | sue gray report, this come out now and would always be a bad time for that by directly contradicting what the prime minister has said, how problematic brothers b. b, the prime minister has said, how problematic brothers b.- the prime minister has said, how problematic brothers b. a gust of the heart of _ problematic brothers b. a gust of the heart of the _ problematic brothers b. a gust of the heart of the question - problematic brothers b. a gust of the heart of the question on i problematic brothers b. a gust of| the heart of the question on many minds, whether on not what has happened and emerged as not about whether not people in downing street but having a ball of crisps on a glass of wine but whether or not there are the highest standards of behaviour and government and whether or not people feel comfortable with the way this administration is run overall, that is what this is about. there are plenty people and the tory party who have never wished boris johnson well and they are using this to their political advantage but it is a dangerous moment for downing street and these revelations do not help. we street and these revelations do not hel. ~ . , street and these revelations do not hel _ ~ ., , ., street and these revelations do not hel. ~ ., , ., ., help. we are still waiting for the sue gray report. _

help. we are still waiting for the sue gray report, we _ help. we are still waiting for the sue gray report, we will - help. we are still waiting for the l sue gray report, we will hopefully have the contents bite tomorrow, i will be back then.

as westminster awaits the report of a senior civil servant into lockdown parties in government, borisjohnson faced mps in a rowdy house of commons. as questions about whether covid rules were breached continue to dominate, the labour leader again called on the prime minister to step down. the ministerial code says that ministers who knowingly mislead parliament will be expected to offer their resignation. does the prime minister believe that applies to him? prime minister. mr speaker, of course, but let me tell the house that i think he is inviting a question about an investigation which, as you know, mr speaker, i can't comment. the report by sue gray is said to be complete and its publication is expected soon. we'll have all the latest from westminster. also this lunchtime. new figures on covid reinfection.

two—thirds of people recently infected say they've had it before.